of  tl)C 

Onitiersitp  of  J13ort|)  Carolina 


Collection  ot  jl^octj  Carolmiana 
'2Efil0  boofe  toagf  presented 

■R\a3s 


00032703389 

This  book  must'  not 
be  token  from  the 
Library  building. 


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SKETCHES 


OF 


MAJ.-GEN.  STEPHEN  DODSON  RRMSEUR. 


CI 


prp:fack. 

Major  General  Stephen  Dodson  Ramseur,  of  the  Con- 
federate Ann\-  of  Virginia,  was  my  early  companion  in 
youth,  my  dearest  friend  in  manhood,  and  connected  with 
me  by  the  strongest  family  tie,  being  my  brother-in-law; 
and,  to  preserve  his  niemor\-  and  perpetuate  his  fame,  I 
have  collected  these  sketches. 

The  future  historian  will  here  find  the  material  to  write 

the  brilliant  storv  of  his  life. 

D.    SCHENCK. 
April  iS,  iSg2. 


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SkGtcb  of  Major  Seneral  S,  D,  Raniseur, 


lU    K.    H.    HAKDINi;,    1).    D. 


Major  GeNKKAL  S.  D.  RamSKIR  was  horn  in  the  villajje  of 
Lincolnton.  N.  C,  on  the  31st  of  Ma\',  1^37.  He  was  the  second 
child  of  Jacob  A.  and  Luc)'  M.  Ramseur.  His  parents  were  mem- 
bers of  the  I*resb\terian  Church,  am!  he  was  bred  under  relij^Mous 
influences.  The  circumstances  of  his  childhood  were  those  best 
adapted  to  develop  his  character  most  favorabl)'.  His  parents 
possessing;  amj^lc  means  to  ^ive  their  children  all  necessar\'  social 
and  intellectual  atlvanta^es,  relieved  them  on  the  one  hand  from 
the  ills  of  povertN',  while  on  the  other  they  preserved  them  from 
the  enervating  and  corrupting  allureinents  of  an  artificial  and 
worldly  life.  Having  received  his  elementary  education  in  the 
schools  of  Lincolnton,  and  the  village  of  Milton,  in  his  native 
State,  he  sought  an  appointment  in  the  Military  Academy  at  West 
Point.  Failing  in  tliis  effort,  he  entered  the  freshman  class  in 
Davidson  College,  N.  C.  At  this  institution  he  spent  about 
eighteen  months,  but  he  had  early  chosen  arms  as  his  profession, 
and  the  opportunity  again  recurring,  he  determined  to  apply  again 
for  a  Cadetship.  Encouraged  and  aided  by  General  D.  H.  Hill,  at 
that  time  Prolessor  of  Mathematics  in  the  College,  and  who  rec- 
ommended him  to  the  notice  of  the  Hon.  Burton  Craige,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  gaining  the  eagerly  desired  appointment. 

At  West  Point  he  remained  five  years,  an  additional  )ear  having 
been  added  to  the  course  while  he  was  a  student  there.  He  was 
graduated  in  i860. 

B)'  his  courtes}',  high-toned  integril}-  and  sterling  worth,  he 
made  many  warm  personal  friends,  both  among  his  brother  cadets 
and  in  the  professional  staff.  Of  the  branches  of  the  service  left  to 
his  choice,  he  preferred  the  Light  Artillery,  and  in  this  was  com- 
missioned second  Lieutenant  b)   brevet 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  young  Lieuteniint  w<is  in  the  Unitetl 
States  army  but  a  short  time  before  the  breaking  out  of  the  hostil- 
ities between  the  North  and  South,  and  this  period — froni  June, 
i860,  to  April,  i86[ — he  spent  in  the  performance   of  his   duties   at 


32 

Fortress  Monroe.  In  April,  i86i,  after  the  bursting  of  the  storm- 
cloud,  Lieutenant  Ramseur  resigned  his  commission  in  the  army, 
and  tendered  his  services  to  the  newly-formed  government  at 
Montgomery.  On  the  22nd  of  the  same  month  he  was  commis- 
sioned 1st  Lieutenant  of  Artillery,  and  ordered  to  the  Mississippi  But 
whilst  on  his  way  to  his  new  post,  he  received  a  telegram  announ- 
cing his  election  to  a  captaincy  of  the  "Ellis  Light  Artillery" 

This  was  a  battery  composed  of  the  first  young  men  in  his  State, 
and  was  then  in  formation  at  the  Capital. 

Captain  Ramseur  now  repaired  with  all  haste  to  Raleigh,  where, 
by  his  energy  and  activity,  he  soon  secured  the  requisite  number 
of  guns,  horses  and  other  equipments  necessary  for  a  thoroughly- 
appointed  battery;  and  in  a  very  short  time  he  had  his  full  comple- 
ment of  men.  At  "Camp  Boylan,"  near  Raleigh,  he  drilled  and 
practiced  his  battery  for  some  time,  and  brought  it  to  such  a  state 
of  perfection  that  it  became  the  pride  of  our  State. 

But  the  people  began  to  ask  why  he  did  not  go  to  the  front. 
Troops  from  all  the  Southern  States  had  been  passing  through 
Raleigh,  and  hastening  on  to  Virginia,  but  the  "Ellis  Artillery'', 
was  still  going  through  its  daily  drills.  The  citizens,  who  had  not 
become  well  acquainted  with  the  young  commander,  began  to  think 
that  this  w^as  a  holiday  company,  and  one  of  the  papers  published 
at  the  Capital,  spoke  somevvhat  derisively  of  Captain  Ramseur's 
artillery,  as  the  "Parlor  Battery."  Inquiries  were  made  by  the 
authorities  at  Richmond,  to  which  place  the  seat  of  the  Confederate 
Government  had  been  removed,  as  to  when  the  battery  would  be 
in  readiness.  No  definite  answer  could  be  returned — Captain  Ram- 
seur said  that  his  command  had  not  yet  attained  the  proficiency 
which  he  desired,  and  the  drilling  and  reviewing  continued.  Some 
of  Ramseur's  friends  thought  that  he  had  been  tardy  in  resigning 
his  commission  in  the  old  service,  and  they  now  thought  him  cen- 
surably  slow  in  taking  the  field.  In  both"  of  these  opinions  they 
were  wrong.  In  the  one  case,  before  giving  up  his  commission,  the 
young  officer  was  determined  to  wait  until  every  effort  of  the  South 
to  avert  the  strife  had  proven  futile;  and  in  the  other,  now  that  he 
had  drawn  his  sword  in  our  cause,  he  was  as  fully  determined  that 
when  he  went  to  the  contest,  its  prowess  should  be  recognized. 
And  the  record  of  the  "Ellis  Light  Artillery"  affords  a  favorable 
comment  on  his  decision  of  purpose. 

At  last  he  was  ready,  and  late  in  the  summer  of  1861   his  battery 


33 

proccctieii  to  X'iii^inia.  ■  I  h-  was  stationed  iicir  Sniithtu-ld  on  the 
South  siile  of  the  James,  and  spent  the  tall  and  winter  months  in 
camp  at  that  pl.iee,  or  in  occasional  mo\'ements  to  .md  from  Nor- 
folk. 

At  .ill  of  the  reviews  of  the  arms'  in  the  dep.irtment  of  Morfolk, 
this  b.itter)' was  the  c\'nosiire  of  attraction ;  and  its  beautiful  evolu- 
tions and  proficienc)-  in  drillintj  <^ained  for  the  youthful  commander 
many  encomiums  from  the  reviewing  generals. 

In  the  Spring  of  1862,  when  Richmond  w.is  threatened  b)-  Mc- 
Cicllan's  achance  up  the  Teninsula.  Captain  Ramseur  was  ordered 
to  report,  with  his  battery,  to  General  Magruder  at  \'orkto\\n.  It 
had  the  honor,  therefore,  of  forming  a  part  of  that  little  army  of 
about  7,ocxD  or  8,000,  which,  by  the  masterly  activity  of  its  General, 
was  made  to  represent  such  a  formidable  front  that  the  ojjposing 
force,  (which  has  been  variously  estimated  at  from  40,000  to  160,- 
000)  was  deceived  into  a  halt,  which  continued  until  the  arrival  of 
the  "Army  of  Northern  Virginia,"  under  Jos.  K.  Johnston. 

General  Magruder  had  known  the  meritorious  young  officer 
when  they  were  both  in  the  service  of  the  United  States;  and 
he,  therefore,  detached  him  from  his  favorite  battery,  to  place 
him  in  command  of  the  artillery  of  the  right  wing.  It  was  here 
that  Major  Ramseur,  who  had  now  been  promoted,  saw  his  first 
active  service. 

Before  any  serious  fighting  occurred  on  the  Peninsula,  Major 
Ramseur  U'as  elected  to  the  Colonelcy  of  the  49th  North  Carolina 
infiintry,  and  although  he  regretted  to  dissever  his  connection  with 
the  artillery,  he  accepted  the  new  promotion.  The  "  Ellis  Artil- 
lery," however,  under  the  gallant  leadership  of  Captain  Manly,  a 
short  time  afterwards,  at  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  won  its  first 
laurels,  which  continued  to  brighten  till  the  close  of  the  war. 

The  regiment  of  which  Colonel  Ramseur  now  took  command 
was  composed  altogether  of  new  men,  men  who  had  just  enlisted 
But,  b\-  the  exercise  of  his  knowledge  of  infantr\'  tactics,  the  young 
commander  at  an  early  da>'  had  it  prcparetl  for  the  front.  The 
49th  belonged  to  Ransom's  brigade  of  Huger's  division,  and  saw- 
its  first  service  in  the  skirmishes  which  preceded  the  opening  bat- 
tles before  Richmond.  Encouraged  by  the  fearless  intrepidity  of 
its  commander,  this  body  of  men  from  the  very  outset  rendered 
most  signal  service.  It  went  through  the  series  of  battles  memor- 
able as  the  "seven  day's  fighting,"  and  in  the  last  of  these,  at  Mai- 


34 

verii  Hill,  on  tlic  ist  of  Jul)-,  whilst  leading  a  victorious  charge,  the 
young  Colonel  was  wounded.  He  was  shot  through  the  right  arm, 
above  the  elbow,  and  that  night,  after  the  battle,  was  borne  to 
Richmond,  and  carried  to  the  house  of  Mr.  M.  S.  Valentine.  Here 
he  met  with  every  possible  kind  attention  but  the  nature  of  his 
wound  was  such  that  more  than  a  month  elapsed  before  he  could 
travel  to  his  home  in  North  Carolina. 

Whilst  at  home,  and  before  he  had  sufficientl}-  convalesced  to 
return  to  the  field,  Colonel  Ramseur  received  his  commission  as 
Brigadier  General.  He  now  thought  that  promotion  was  coming 
too  rapidly,  and  felt  seriously  disinclined  to  accept  this  newly  offered 
compliment.  But  at  the  earnest  request  of  his  friends,  who  had  a 
higher  opinion  of  his  capacity  than  he  himself  had,  he  reluctantly 
accepted  the  increased  rank.  It  is  a  commentary  both  on  the  innate 
bravery  of  his  regiment  and  the  fearlessness  of  its  commander  that 
this  officer  was  promoted  immediately  after  leading  a  new  comrriand 
into  its  comparatively  first  fight. 

In  October,  1862 — though  unable  to  use  his  right  hand,  even  in 
writing — he  repaired  to  Richmond  in  order  to  make  a  decision  in 
regard  to  the  brigade  which  had  been  offered  him.  He  called  on 
President  Davis,  and  explained  to  him  his  delicacy  in  accepting  the 
exalted  rank  that  had  been  conferred  upon  him,  but  the  President 
insisted  that  he  should  take  the  commission,  telling  him  at  the  same 
time  to  return  to  his  home  until  he  was  entirely  restored  to  health. 
But  General  Ramseur,  instead  of  returning  to  North  Carolina, 
sought  out  the  army,  and  took  command  of  the  brigade  which  had 
been  left  without  a  general  officer  by  the  death  of  the  gallant 
George  B.  Anderson.  His  arrival  at  his  new  command  was  thus 
spoken  of  afterwards  at  a  meeting  of  condolence,  held  in  Lincoln- 
ton,  on  the  31st  of  October,  1864.  It  is  an  extract  from  a  speech 
delivered  by  Colonel  Bynum: 

"Assigned  to  a  command  in  which  I  served,  I  knew  him  well. 
He  succeeded  the  lamented  Gen.  Anderson,  an  officer  of  great 
abilities,  and  well  skilled  in  the  art  of  war,  commanding  the  love 
and  confidence  of  his  men.     His  was  a  place  not  easily  filled. 

"  General  Ramseur  came  to  the  brigade,  a  stranger  from  another 
branch  of  the  service;  but  he  at  once  disarmed  criticism  by  his 
high  professional  attainment  and  great  amiability  of  character,  in- 
spiring his  men,  by  his  own  enthusiastic  nature,  with  those  lofty 
martial  ciualities  which  distinguish  the   Southern  soldier." 


3i 

This  brigade.  CDinposcd  of  the  Jiul,  4th.  I4tli  and  30tli  Xortli 
Carolina  icL;iniciits,  then  attached  to  Jackson's  corjis.  was  coiii- 
m.imlcd  bv  (icneral  Ramscur  at  the  battle  of  Chanceilorsvillc-. 
where  he  was  a^ain  wounded  in  the  foot  l)\-  a  shell,  u  hilst  leailins^' 
a  successful  chari^e  upon  the  eneni\'s  works.  I  his  second  wonml 
did  not  take  him  from  the  field,  but  he  continued  with  his  brii^ade, 
and  shortl)'  afterwards  accompanied  it  throuj^h  the  Tennsxlvania 
campaign.  In  the  battle  of  (iettysburj^^  he  acted  with  conspicuous 
gallantry — his  brij;ade  being  among  the  first  to  enter  the  captured 
town.  Here  he  won.  b\-  his  courage  and  militar)-  deportment,  the 
highest  esteem  <ind  warmest  admiriition  of  the  dixision.  corps,  ami 
army  commanders. 

After  the  return  of  the  arm\-  from  Penns\lv<inia,  and  when  there 
seemed  to  be  a  peaceful  lull  in  the  terrible  war.  and  when  the  divi- 
sion to  which  General  Ramseur's  brigade  belonged  was  preparing 
to  go  into  winter  quarters,  near  Orange  Court  House,  he  obtained 
leave  of  absence  for  the  purpose  of  being  married.  He  had  long 
been  engaged  to  Miss  Ellen  E.  Richmond,  of  Milton,  N.  C,  and  on 
the  27th  of  October,  1863,  they  were  united  in  marriage.  Spending 
some  time  at  the  house  of  his  wife's  mother  and  at  his  home  in 
Lincolnton,  he  again  repaired  to  his  brigade. 

The  winter  of  '63  and  '64  was  spent  in  comparative  quiet,  but 
Grant  having  taken  command  of  the  army  of  the  Potomac,  the 
struggle  was  renewed  in  the  spring  with  increased  fury.  Following 
the  fortunes  of  the  corps  to  which  his  brigade  belonged,  the  ne.\t 
general  engagements  in  which  he  bore  a  part  were  at  the  Wilder- 
ness and  Spotts>lvania  Court  House.  The  following  extract  from  yt 
the  ""  London  Morning  Herald"  affords  a  vivid  picture  of  the  action 
of  this  brigade.  Having  been  written  by  an  English  gentleman, 
who  had  familiar  access  to  Gen.  Lee's  headtjuarters,  it  must  needs 
be  more  impartial  than  if  it  had  been  written  by  anyone  connected 
with  the  arm)'.  It  is  a  description  of  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness, 
fought  on  the  12th  of  May,  1864,  and  is  dated  at  Richmontl,  on  the 
25th  of  the  same  month.  After  recounting  the  skirmishes  w  liich 
preceded  the  battle,  and  describing  the  commencement  of  the  bat- 
tle itself,  this  correspondent  thus  alludes  to  the  recapture.  b\-  Ram- 
seur's brigade,  of  a  most  important  salient  from  which  another 
portion  of  the  army  had  been  dislodged: 

"The  Federalists  continued  to  hold  their  grouml  in  the  salient, 
and  along  the  line  ol  works,  to  the  left  of  that  angle,  w  ithin  .1  shorl 


36 

distance  of  the  oosition  of  Monoghan's  (Hay's)  Louisianians.  Ram- 
seur's  North  Carolinians  of  Rode's  division  formed,  covering  Mon- 
oghan's  right;  and  being  ordered  to  charge,  were  received  by  the 
enemy  with  a  stuborn  resistance.  The  desperate  character  of  the 
struggle  along  that  brigade-front  was  told  terribly  in  the  hoarse- 
ness and  rapidity  of  its  musketry.  So  close  was  the  fighting  there, 
for  a  time,  that  the  fire  of  friend  and  foe  rose  up  rattling  in  one 
common  roar.  Ramseur's  North  Carolinians  dropped  in  the  ranks 
thick  and  fast,  but  still  he  continued,  with  glorious  constancy,  to 
gain  ground,  foot  by  foot.  Pressing  under  a  fierce  fire,  resolutely 
on,  on,  on,  the  struggle  was  about  to  become  one  of  hand  to  hand, 
when  the  Federalists  shrank  from  the  bloody  trial.  Driven  back, 
they  were  not  defeated.  The  earthworks  being  at  the  moment  in 
their  immediate  rear,  they  bounded  on  the  opposite  side;  and  hav- 
ing thus  placed  them  in  their  front,  they  renewed  the  conflict.  A 
rush  of  an  instant  brought  Ramseur's  men  to  the  side  of  the  de- 
fences; and  though  they  crouched  close  to  the  slopes,  under  enfil- 
ade from  the  guns  of  the  salient,  their  musketry  rattled  in  deep  and 
deadly  fire  on  the  enemy  that  stood  in  overwhelming  numbers  but 
a  few  yards  from  their  front.  Those  brave  North  Carolinians  had 
thus,  in  one  of  the  hottest  conflicts  of  the  day,  succeeded  in  driving 
the  enemy  from  the  works  that  had  been  occupied  during  the  pre- 
vious night  by  a  brigade  which,  until  the  I2th  of  May,  had  never 
yet  yielded  to  a  foe— the  Stonewall." 

At  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  General  Ramseur  acted  with  his 
accustomed  gallantry.  In  this  battle  he  was  shot  through  his 
already  disabled  arm,  and  had  three  horses  killed  under  him;  still 
he  never  left  the  field,  but  led  on  his  brigade  to  the  gathering  of 
fresh  laurels  for  himself  and  forces.  General  Ramseur's  career  as  a 
brigade  commander  was  an  uncommonly  brilliant  one.  He  never 
led  the  brigade  into  action  that  he  did  not  add  to  its  reputation. 
It  was  noted  at  Chancellorsville  that  he  drilled  it  under  heavy  fire, 
and  led  it  in  a  charge  when  others  refused  to  advance,  his  men 
absolutely  running  over  portions  of  a  recusant  command.  An 
officer  describing  his  appearance  as  he  stepped  up  to  Gen.  Rodes 
and  offered  his  brigade  for  the  charge  said,  "  he  looked  splendidly." 

For  his  services  at  Spottsylvania,  on  the  occasion  referred  to  by 
the  correspondent  of  the  London  Herald,  Gen.  Ramseur  was  com- 
plimented on  the  field  by  Generals  Ewell  and  A.  P.  Hill,  and  sent 
for  by  General  Lee,  that  he  might  receive,  in  person,  the  thanks  of 
that  noble  commander. 


37 

While  (icncral  Raiiisi-ur  infused  his  own  daiiiiL;.  impetuous  nature 
into  his  men,  they  almost  worshipped  him.  They  seemed  to  feel 
tlie  same  kind  of  personal  entluisi.-sm  towards  him  that  the  corps 
felt  toward  General  Jackson,  lie  could  lead  them  <in\  where;  if  he 
was  ^uidin^  them.  the\'  never  distrusted,  never  hesitated,  never 
quailed.  Their  hearts  beat  with  his  hi^h  coura<.je  and  responded 
to  his  heroic  intrepidit\-.  They  h.id  the  most  unbounded  confidence 
in  his  daring  skill  and  military  resource. 

In  June,  1864,  he  was  promoted  to  a  Major  Generalship,  and  as- 
signed to  the  division  formerly  commanded  by  General  Early. 

Early's  corps,  composed  of  Gordon's,  Rodes'  and  Ramseur's  divi- 
sions, was  shortly  afterwards  detached  from  Lee,  and  sent  to  repel 
Hunter,  who  was  threatening  Lynchburg.  General  Early  reached 
L\nchburg  in  time  to  save  the  city,  and  after  the  repulse  of  Hunter, 
he  marched  for  the  third  time  into  Maryland.  No  serious  fighting 
occurred  during  this  campaign  until  the  army  reached  Monococy 
bridge,  where  Ramseurand  Gordon  defeated  the  forces  commanded 
by  General  Wallace.  The  army  of  the  valley  then  marched  to 
within  fi\'e  miles  of  Washington  city,  and  but  for  the  timely  arrival 
of  troops  from  the  Department  of  the  (julf,  migiit  have  captured 
the  Federal  capitol. 

This  addition  to  the  enemy's  army  caused  General  Early  to 
retreat  to  the  lower  valley,  where,  with  various  successes  and 
reverses,  he  remained  until  ordered  to  rejoin  the  arm}-  before  Rich- 
mond. 

At  the  battle  of  Winchester  on  the  19th  of  September,  General 
Ramseur's  division  sustained  the  brunt  of  the  fight,  from  da\'Iight 
until  nine  or  ten  o'clock,  when  the  other  divisions  came  to  his  relief. 
It  was  in  this  fierce  conflict  that  the  gallant  Rodes  gave  up  his  life; 
and,  with  the  departure  of  his  spirit,  our  army  lost  one  of  its  noblest 
commanders.  Gen.  Ramseur  was  transferred  from  Early's  old  divi- 
sion to  the  division  which  was  left  without  a  Major  General  by  the 
fall  of  Rodes.  He  commandetl  this  but  one  month,  when  he,  too, 
died  the  gallant  death  of  a  soldier,  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek. 

In  what  esteem  Major  General  S.  1).  Ramseur  was  held  by  his 
immediate  superiors  the  following  e.xtract  will  show.  And  the 
cause  of  the  letter  from  which  the  extract  is  taken,  gives  a  faint 
indication  of  the  love  entertained  for  him  by  his  troops.  Lieuten- 
ant General  Early  wrote  as  follows  to  Hrig.  General  Bryan  Grimes, 
who  at  the  request  of  the  division   lately  commanded  b\-  Generals 


38 

Rodes  and  Ramseur   had  asked   for  a  suspension  of  military  duties 
for  one  da>',  tiiat  it  might  duly  honor  these  noble  captains: 

"Hkad  Quarters.  Valley  Dist.,  Oct.  31,  1864. 

General: — Your  request   for  the  suspension   for   to-morrow   in 

your  division  of  all   military  duties  which  are  not  indispensable,  in 

order  to  carry  out  the  purposes  of  the  resolutions  of  the  officers  of 

the  division,  in  honor  of  Major  General   R.    E.    Rodes  and    Major 

General  S.  D.  Ramseur.  is  granted.     I  take   occasion  to  express  to 

the  division  so  lately  commanded  in    succession  by  these  lamented 

officers,  my  high   appreciation   of  their   merits,    and    my   profound 

sorrow  at  their  deaths. 

vf  *  *  *  * 

"Major  General  Ramseur  has  often  proved  his  courage,  and  his 
capacity  to  command;  but  never  did  these  qualities  shine  more 
conspicuously  than  on  the  afternoon  of  the  19th  of  this  month 
when,  after  two  divisions  on  his  left  had  given  way,  and  his  own 
was  doing  the  same  thing,  he  rallied  a  small  band,  and  for  one  hour 
and  a  quarter  held  in  check  the  enemy,  until  he  was  shot  down 
himself  In  endeavoring  to  stop  those  who  were  retiring  from  the 
field.  I  had  occasion  to  point  them  to  the  gallant  stand  made  by 
Ramseur  with  his  small  party;  and  if  his  spirit  could  have  animated 
those  who  left  him  thus  battling,  the  19th  of  October  would  have 
had  a  far  different  history.  He  met  the  death  of  a  hero,  and  zvith 
his  fall,  the  last  hope  of  saving  the  day  zvas  lost.  General  Ramseur 
was  a  soldier  of  whom  his  State  has  reason  to  be  proud — he  was 
brave,  chivalrous  and  capable. 

Respectfully, 

J.  A.  EARLY,  Lieut.  Gen. 

Brig.  Gen.  Bryan  Grimes.  Covid'g-Div. 

Mortally  wounded  on  the  afternoon  of  October  the  19th,  1864,. 
after  having  participated  in  one  of  the  most  brilliant  strategic  move- 
ments of  the  war.  he  was  captured  and  died  in  the  hands  of  the 
enemy  next  morning  about  10  o'clock.  Some  of  his  friends  in 
Winchester  procured  his  body,  had  it  embalmed,  and  sent  through 
the  lines  to  his  family.  To  Major  Hutchinson,  his  Adjutant  Gen- 
eral, who  was  captured  at  the  same  time,  the  family  of  General 
Ramseur  are  indebted  for  some  additional  accounts  of  his  last  mo- 
ments.    His  wound   was  through  the  body,  and  of  a  very  painful 


39 

natuif;  but  he  had  occisidiial  periods  of  ease,  ami  tliiriiij^f  tliese  he 
conversed  very  calmly.  He  knew  th.it  he  was  f.itall)-  wounded, 
but  was  not  unprepared  to  meet  death.  To  (ieneral  Hoke,  wh<j 
iiad  been  an  old  schoolmate  and  friend  from  childhood,  he  sent  this 
word:  "  Tell  General  Hoke  I  die  a  Christian,  and  have  done  mv 
duty." 

He  had  heartl,  but  the  da\'  before  the  b.ittle  in  u  iiich  he  was  to 
give  up  his  life,  of  the  birth  of  his  little  dauj^hter.  He  spoke  most 
tenderl)'  of  his  wife  and  little  child,  a".d  sent  them  many  loving 
messages.  The  last  words  he  whispered  were  for  her:  "Tell  m)- 
darling  wife,"  he  said,  "  I  die  with  a  firm  faith  in  Christ  and  trust  to 
meet  her  hereafter."  For  his  father,  brotlicrs  and  sisters,  also,  he 
had  words  of  peace  and  love. 

General  Ramseur  was  a  Major  General  only  for  the  period  of  five 
months,  commanding  first,  Early's  division,  and  after  the  death  of 
General  Rodes,  taking  his  command.  But  during  this  short  time  he 
maintained  his  high  military  character,  and  the  entire  confidence 
of  his  superior  officers  and  brother  Major  Generals.  There  was 
onh'  one  occurrence  in  the  whole  of  General  Ramscur's  militar\- 
career  to  which  it  is  possible  to  attach  an\-  blame,  or  make  him  the 
subject  of  censure,  and  even  if  it  be  a  blunder  or  mistake,  what 
commander  has  not  at  some  time  made  one  false  step. 

It  is  thus  spoken  of  b)-  General  Early  in  his  narrative  of  his  cam- 
paign in  the  Valley. 

''On  this  da)'.  (19th  of  July,)  I  received  information  that  a  column 
under  Averill  was  moving  from  Martinsburg  toward  Winchester, 
as  the  position  I  held  left  my  trains  exposed  in  the  rear,  I  determ- 
ined to  concentrate  my  force  near  Strasburg.  This  movement 
was  commenced  on  the  night  of  the  19th;  Ramseur's  division  being 
sent  to  Winchester  to  cover  that  place  against  Averill.  Vaughns 
and  Jackson's  cavalry  had  been  watching  AveriU,  and  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  20th  it  was  reported  to  General  Ramseur  that  Averill 
was  at  Stephenson's  depot,  with  an  inferior  force,  which  could  be 
captured,  and  Ramseur  moved  out  from  Winchester  to  attack  him. 

But  relying  on  the  information  he  received  General  Ramseur  did 
not  take  the  proper  precautions  in  advancing,  and  his  division  while 
moving  by  the  flank,  was  suddenly  met  b)'  a  larger  force  under 
Averill.  advancing  in  line  of  battle,  and  the  result  was,  Ramseur 
was  thrown  into  confusion,  and  compelled  to  retire  with  the  loss  of 
tour  pieces  of  artillery  and  a  number  in  killed  and  wounded.     The 


40 

error  committed  on  this  occasion,   by  this  most  gallant  officer  was 
nobly  retrieved  on  the  subsequent  part  of  the  campaign." 

It  is  very  doubtful  if  any  blame  should  be  attached  to  Gen.  Ram- 
seur  for  this  affair.  The  cavalry  command,  mentioned,  had  been  in 
his  front  all  day  for  the  special  purpose  of  watching  Averill,  and 
reporting  from  time  to  time.  A  General  commanding  must  rely  on 
his  subordinates  for  much  information;  he  cannot  possibly  attend  to 
everything  himself.  Gen.  Ramseur  had  secured  no  information  that 
the  enemy  were  nearer  than  Stephenson's  depot.  Those  whose 
duty  it  was  to  inform  him  reported  such  as  the  tact.  It  was  a  mis- 
take, therefore,  that  under  the  circumstances  might  have  happened 
to  an)'  general.  Certain  it  is  that  General  Early  did  not  censure 
Gen.  Ramseur  at  the  time,  and  General  Rodes  did  not  for  one 
moment  lose  his  confidence  in  him. 

General  Early  thus  speaks  of  General  Ramseur  in  his  account  of 
the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek: 

"Major  General  Ramseur  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  in  him,  not  only  my  command  but  the  country 
suffered  a  heavy  loss.  He  was  a  most  gallant  and  energetic  officer, 
whom  no  disaster  appalled,  but  his  courage  and  energy  seemed  to 
gain  new  strength  in  the  midst  of  confusion  and  disorder.  He  fell 
at  his  post,  fighting  like  a  lion  at  bay,  and  his  native  State  has 
reason  to  be  proud  of  his  memory." 

General  Ramseur  was  a  noble  specimen  of  a  man;  though  dis- 
tinguished as  a  warrior  and  possessing  marked  abilities  for  military 
success,  yet  his  greatest  excellence  was  his  character  as  a  man.  He 
had  all  those  qualities  that  excite  the  love  and  admiration  of  friends 
and  the  respect  of  foes;  no  dishonorable  thought,  word  or  act  stains 
his  bright  name.  In  all  the  relations  of  life  he  was  a  model  as  a 
son,  brother,  husband,  friend;  he  was  without  reproach.  His  friend- 
ship elevated  and  ennobled,  for  the  whole  tone  of  his  character  was 
lofty.  He  had  developed  in  a  remarkable  manner  two  elements 
necessary  to  the  highest  type  of  man,  viz:  a  humanly  tenderness 
of  feeling,  united  with  the  most  manly  courage  and  self-reliance. 
His  courage  was  the  theme  of  the  whole  army,  he  seemed  perfectly 
fearless,  absolutely  devoid  of  any  sense  of  fear.  It  seems  strange 
that  one  so  affectionate,  so  almost  womanly  in  his  feelings,  should 
have  been  so  completely  at  home  amid  the  dreadful  scenes  of  the 
battle  field.  But  he  absolutely  reveled  in  the  fierce  joys  of  the 
strife,  his  whole   being  seemed  to  kindle  and    burn  and  glow   amid 


41 

tlie  excitements  of  dani^er.  lie  was  spoken  of  b\-  one  of  the  \'ir- 
ginia  jiapers  as  tlie  Cliexalier  Ha\ar(l  of  tin:  war.  IIis  courage  was 
marvelous — danger  seemed  to  draw  him  as  by  a  strange  fascination, 
and  he  couUl  pardon  everytliing  hut  cow.irthce.  Vet  all  this  was 
not  because  he  was  indifferent  to  human  life  and  suffering,  he  would 
expose  himself  to  shield  his  staff,  and  his  eyes  would  fill  with  tears 
as  he  reviewed  his  broken  ranks,  after  the  engagement  was  over. 

General  Ramseur  was  remarkable  for  his  love  of  children;  he 
would  devote  himself  to  them  wherever  he  met  them,  and  seemed 
to  take  the  greatest  pleasure  in  pleasing  them.  From  childhood 
he  himself  had  been  a  most  devoted  child  to  his  parents,  and  no 
sister  ever  had  a  brother  more  affectionate,  no  wife  a  husband  more 
entirely  her  own.  His  whole  nature  was  self-denying. — open- 
hearted — generous;  no  mean  envies,  no  base  jealousies  were  found 
in  him.  He  never  sought  promotion,  it  always  came  unasked  b}- 
him. 

In  person.  General  Ramseur  was  of  medium  height,  his  figure 
was  slender  but  well  proportioned,  very  erect  and  of  fine  martial 
bearing.  His  brow  was  large,  prominent,  well  rounded — his  eye 
large  and  black  and  the  whole  expression  open,  winning  and  strik- 
ing. His  face  indicated  in  a  most  remarkable  manner  loftiness  of 
character  and  purity  of  sentiment.  He  was  a  fine  horseman,  sitting 
his  horse  with  grace,  and  managing  him  with  skill. 

Gen.  Ramseur  was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and 
died  expressing  his  hope  in  Jesus  as  his  Saviour. 

The  writer  of  this  sketch  passed  the  last  two  years  of  the  war  in 
close  intimacy  with  General  Ramseur.  He  saw  much  of  his  Chris- 
tian character,  and  had  man\'  conversations  with  him  on  religious 
subjects.  During  this  period  he  always  expressed  himself  as  trust- 
ing in  Jesus.  He  read  his  Bible,  and  was  regularl)'  at  church,  and 
always  promoted  religious  observance  among  his  troopK.  The  last 
winter  of  his  life  Mrs.  Ramseur  spent  with  him  in  camp.  He  had 
prayers  regularly  in  his  famih-.  and  read  religious  books.  He  spoke 
particularly  of  his  enjoyments  of  Jay's  "Christian  Contempl.ited." 
a  book  on  the  Christian  character.  He  also  read  his  Bible  a  great 
deal,  and  his  faith  graduall)-  became  brighter,  more  fixed  and 
calmer.  The  last  sermon  he  heard  was  in  New  Market  from  the 
text,  "To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  hidden 
manna  and  Aill  give  him  <i  white  stone  "  He  enjoyctl  it  and  spoke 
of  his  satisfaction  in  it. 


42 

His  last  words  to  Mrs.  Ramseur  were  an  expression  of  assured 
hope  in  Christ. 

A  high-toned  and  chivalrous  gentleman,  a  gallant  soldier,  an 
humble  Christian.  We  may  apply  to  him  the  words  of  the  great 
Poet  of  our  language — 

"In  war  was  never  lion  raged  more  fierce, 

In  peace  was  never  lamb  more  mild, 

Than  was  that  young  and  princely  gentleman." 


li   liV.'H   ,         :l 


MAJOR  GENERAL  STEPHEN    D.    RAMSEUR. 


DY  PERMISSION  OF   THE   CENTURY  CO. 


ADDRESS 


LIFE    AND    CHARACTER 


MAJ.  GEN.  STEPHEN  D.  RAMSEUR, 


ucfoiif:  the 


LADIES'  MEMORIAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  RALEIGH,  N.  C. 


MAY    10th,    1891. 


BY 

HON.    WILLIAM    R.   COX. 


RAI.EIGH  : 

E.    M.    rZZKLI-,    STEAM    IRINTEK    AM)    ItlNDUR. 
I89I. 


ADDRESS 


Mr.  J'resid^'iit,  Ltulies  and  (icntlnncn  : 

When  XiTxc's  looked  upon  the  roiiiitlcss  hosts  of  Persia  he 
is  said  to  have  wept  when  he  reMcrti'd  that  within  one  hun- 
dred years  iVoin  tiuit  time  not  one  of  those  then  in  his  pi-esenee 
woidd  i)e  livini;.  It  is  with  siniihii"  emotions  every  survivor  of 
the  war  l)etween  the  States  must  he  inovt-d  when  ealh-d  upon  to 
pass  in  review  and  comment  upon  tiie  heroic  deeds  and  still 
more  heroic  sufferings  of  those  who  partieij)at('d  in  that  fierce 
and  unrelenting  conflict. 

It  is  now  over  a  quarter  of  a  century  since  the  last  hostile 
gun  of  the  war  was  tired  ;  the  laws  are  everywhere  respected 
and  obeyed  ;  and  every  citizen,  irrespective  of  section  or  service, 
recognizes  it  as  his  (irst  duty  to  march  to  the  defense  of  his  gov- 
ernment whenever  menaceil  l)y  foes  either  from  within  oi-  with- 
out. 

To  such  as  may  (piestion  the  poliev  or  pi'oprietv  (»!'  these 
memorial  reunions,  and  inquire  why  these  gatherings  of  the  peo- 
ple, which  may  keep  alive  the  estrangements  of  the  past,  we 
commend  the  remarks  of  that  eloquent  New  Yorker,  C'hauncey 
M.  Depew,  who,  upon  a  similar  occasiiju  forciblv  antl  truthfnllv 
declareil  that  "  vaj)id  sentimentalists  and  timid  souls  dej^recate 
these  annual  reunions,  feai-Ing  they  may  arouse  old  strife  and 
sectional  animosities;  hut  a  war  in  which  five  hundred  thousand 
men  were  killed  and  two  millions  more  wounded,  in  which 
States  were  devastated,  and  ukjucv  spent  e(pial  to  twice  England's 
gigantic  debt,  has  a  meaning,  a  lesson,  and  results  which  are  to 
the  people  of  this  Hepid)lic  a  liberal  education,  and  the  highest 
chairs  of  this  university  belong  to  you." 

The  ladies  of  this  associati(»n  have  a  just  aj)preciation  of"  the 
necessity  for  preserving  the  truths  of  history  for  the  future  his- 
torian, who,  with  a  juster  prospective  which  distance  mav   give, 


shall  write  a  lii.-tory  ofoiir  coniiiion  country.  They  have  wisely 
decided  that  at  each  annual  reunion  an  active  participant  of  the 
war  shall  be  called  upon  to  portray  the  life  and  character  of 
some  distinguished  comrade  who  in  the  late  war  yielded  up  his 
life  in  obedience  to  the  laws  of  his  State  and  for  a  cause  his 
conscience  told  him  was  right.  The  necessity  for  preserving  the 
data  thus  collected  becomes  more  important  from  the  fact  that 
in  every  war,  whatever  may  be  its  original  merits,  writers  will 
always  be  found  to  misrepresent  and  belittle  the  vanquished, 
while  with  fulsome  adulation  they  sing  pteans  to  and  crown 
with  laurels  tlie  brow  of  the  victor.  Even  distinguished  })ar- 
ticipants  in  such  strifes  are  not  slow  to  yield  to  importunity 
the  autobiographic  memoirs  of  colossal  achievenients  scarcely 
recognizable  by  their  friends,  the  effects  of  which  are  mislead- 
ing. In  the  late  war,  and  by  the  chroniclers  of  that  war,  we 
were  denounced  as  rebels  and  traitors,  as  if  the  promoters 
of  such  epithets  were  ignorant  of  the  fact  that  in  our  Revo- 
lutionary war  Hancock,  Adams  and  their  compeers  were 
denounced  as  rebels  and  traitors,  while  Washington  and  Frank- 
lin broke  their  oaths  of  allegiance  to  join  this  despised  class. 
Indeed,  the  very  chimney-sweeps  in  the  streets  of  London  are 
said  to  have  spoken  of  our  rebellious  ancestors  as  their  subjects 
in  America.  Therefore,  with  a  conscience  void  of  offense,  while 
we  would  not  and  should  not  forget  our  hallowed  memories  of 
comradeship  and  of  common  suffering,  we  cherish  them  alone  as 
memories,  and  seek  no  willows  upon  which  to  hang  our  harps, 
no  rivers  by  which  to  sit  down  and  weep  while  we  sing  the  songs 
of  the  long  ago. 

Wars  have  existed  from  the  beginning  of  time;  and,  despite 
the  spread  of  Christianity  and  the  growth  of  enlightenment,  will 
prol)ably  continue  until  time  shall  be  no  more.  In  the  war 
between  the  States  there  was  but  little  of  tnalice,  of  vengeful- 
ness  and  vindictiveness.  As  to  its  origin  there  is  little  proba- 
bility of  our  agreeing  so  long  as  it  is  insisted  that  the  North 
fought  chiefly  for  the  eradication  of  slavery  and  the  South  for 
its  perpetuation.    At  the  formation  of  this  government 


SI,AVKi:V 


existed  in  every  Stale.  New  1':iio;|mii(|,  ulii.-li  iiltiiiiatelv  Ix-cariie 
the  |)riiiei|)al  theatre  of  free-soil  ism  and  aholitiuii  nj^itatioii,  was  at 
one  time  more  interested  in  the  shive  tra(h!  than  any  other  section 
of  our  eonntry.  It  is  not  mere  s|)eenhition  to  deehire  that  had  her 
soil  and  elimate  l)een  adapted  to  the  enhivatioii  and  ])n)diietion 
of  the  chief  staples  of  the  South  she  wonid  have  recognized  it 
as  a  >;reat  oiitrai^e  to  have  been  compelled  to  relinqnish  so  j)r()(it- 
al)K'  an  institution  without  her  free  consent.  By  prospective 
enaetmt'nts  our  Northerti  friends  frradnally  abolished  slavery, 
and  their  slaves  were  sent  South  and  sold.  The  money  arising 
from  such  sales  was  carried  North,  invested  in  manufactories, 
ships  and  brick  walls.  Their  section  j)rospered  and  we  rejoice 
in  their  prosperity  as  a  part  of  our  common  countrv.  In  an 
address  delivered  by  Mr.  Kvarts  before  the  New  England  Soci- 
ety he  said  that  the  Puritan  l)elieve(l  in  every  man  atteudino-  to 
his  own  business,  but  he  believed  every  man's  business  was  his 
own.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  truth  portrayed  in  this  sport- 
ive suggestion.  Having  profitably  escaj)ed  from  this  "great 
iniquity,"  their  restless  intellectuality  early  prompted  them  to 
exj)ress  their  abhorrence  of  slavery.  The  great  body  of  Ameri- 
can people  really  cared  very  little  about  this  institution,  or,  at 
least,  if  they  deprecated  it  they  recognized  it  as  a  matter  of 
local  legislation,  for  which  they  were  not  directly  responsible; 
therefore,  the  question  of  its  abolition  for  over  half  a  centurv 
made  but  little  headway,  and  only  became  a  j)otential  element 
of  discord  when  it  was  discovered  that  its  agitiUion  would  have 
the  effect  of  securing  the  ascendency  of  one  of  the  great  politi- 
cjil  parties  of  the  country..  As  slavery  only  obtained  in  the 
minor  section  its  agitation,  on  .sectional  grounds,  ultimatelv  had 
the  effect  of  j)r()m()ting  a  crisis  which  enabled  the  ambitious  and 
aspiring  politicians  to  iuHame  the  pa.ssions  of  their  followers 
until  they  were  prepared  to  .see  their  country  |)lunged  into  a  war, 
which  the  border  States,  led  by  Virginia,  did  all  that  lav  in  their 
power  to  avert.      Recognizing  the   weakness  of  this  institution, 


6 


as  well  as  the  fact  that  they  were  numerically  greatly  in  the 
minority,  the  slave-holding  States  simply  asked  to  be  "  let  alone." 
But  as  it  was  threatened  that  they  should  he  surrounded  by  a 
cordon  of  free  States  until  slavery  had  "stung  itself  to  death,"  and 
that  this  government  could  not  exist  "half  free  and  half  slave," 
the  purposes  of  the  dominant  section  became  so  manifest  the 
Southern  States  felt  that,  in  justice  to  themselves,  they  could  no 
longer  remain  quiet.  The  causes  for  this  agitation  had  their 
existence  in  the  colonial  era,  when  slavery  was  universal ;  and 
the  settlement  was  postponed  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of 
arriving  at  a  satisfactory  solution.     Two  irreconcilable  theories  of 

POPULAR  GOVERNMENT 

were  at  the  outset  proposed.  The  one  advocated  by  Mr. 
Hamilton  contemplated  a  strong  centralized  authority,  fash- 
ioned after  that  of  a  limited  monarchy;  the  other,  which  was 
proposed  by  Mr.  Jefferson,  recognized  the-  people  as  the  source 
of  all  power,  and  insisted  that  they  should  be  left  as  free 
and  untrammeled  from  governmental  control  as  its  exigen- 
cies might  demand.  The  one  contemplated  a  magnilicent  cen- 
tral government,  with  that  ostentation  and  parade  that  keeps 
the  masses  in  av/e;  the  other  a  simple,  economic,  democratic 
government,  regulated  and  governed  by  the  people.  The  fol- 
lowers of  these  statesmen  were  known  by  the  party  ntrmes  of 
Federalists  and  Republicans.  The  elder  Adams  was  the  first 
President  of  the  Federalists,  and  during  his  administration 
and  with  his  approval  the  Alien  and  Sedition  laws  were 
passed,  the  effect  of  which  was  to  abridge,  if  not  im})eril,  the 
freedom  of  the  press  in  its  criticism  upon  public;  officials.  This 
measure,  with  others  of  an  unpopular  nature,  so  outraged  public 
sentiment  as  to  elect  Mr.  Jefferson,  the  apostle  of  Democracy,  to 
succeed  Mr.  Adams  by  an  overwhehning  majority,  and  the  views 
he  entertained  and  ably  advocated  laid  the  foundation  for  that 
great  popular  approval  which  n)aintained  his  party  in  power, 
with  but  brief  intervals  of  interruption,  from  that  time  up  to 
the  beginning  of  the  war.     The  student  of  history  will  discover 


tliat  the  iii>titiitiiiii  dl"  slavci-y  played  a  iiiiiiui-  pail  in  (lie  [x.liti- 
oal  aiiilalioiis  of  this  i-oiintrv  so  loiijr  as  onr  politics  rclatfd 
aloiio  to  (picstioiis  of  national  jioiicry.  Tlic  first  scrions  dillicnltv 
of  moil'  than  local  siirnifieaiicc  which  threatened  onr  institu- 
tions arose  from  the  imposition  of  an  exciso  tax  on  distilled 
spirits,  known  as  the  "Whisky  Rehellion."  The  second,  from 
the  hostility  of  the  New  Knuland  States  to  the  war  of  1812, 
which  serionsly  interfered  with  their  commercial  tiallic.  So 
ureat  was  this  discontent  that  a  convention  was  calK'il  to  meet 
at  Hartford,  Conn.,  which  had  in  view  the  secession  of  the 
States  represented  from  the  Tnion.  In  1820  was  passed  what 
is  known  as  the  Missouri  Compromise,  which  in  effect  was  simplv 
a  truce  between  two  antagonistic  revenue  systems,  while  the  nidli- 
fication  movement  was  directed  against  the  tariff'  system.  So  that 
up  to  this  time  the  chief  complaint  against  any  legislation  of 
our  country  arose  from  dissatisfaction  to  its  economic  system. 

Prior  to  the  war  the  North  had  devoted  herself  chieHv  to  trade 
and  manufacturing,  to  mechanic  arts  and  industrial  pursuits, 
while  the  South,  owing  to  its  easier  lines  of  life,  the  fertility  of 
its  soil,  witli  its  genial  climate  and  "peculiar  institution,"  had 
turned  her  attention  to  the  science  of  politics  and  a  consideration 
of  governmental  affairs,  the  consecjuence  of  which  was  that  the 
controlling  voice  and  influence  in  the  councils  of  the  nation 
rested  with  her.  As  the  North,  by  its  industry  and  enterprise, 
grew  in  wealth  and  the  development  of  a  more  liberal  educa- 
tion, she  became  impatient  and  restless  under  this  control,  and 
resolved  at  all  hazards  to  escape  from  it.  Free-soilism  and  abo- 
litionisn),  which  up  to  this  time  had  been  the  obedient  hand-maid 
to  any  party  that  would  lend  its  co-operation,  w<re  believed  to 
be  the  j)otential  elements  by  which  to  arouse  the  apprehensions 
of  the  South  as  to  the  security  of  slavery  and  thus  tend  to  the 
arrangement  of  parties  on  sectional  lines,  j'^om  this  time  for- 
ward the  leading  statesmen  of  the  South  were  denounced  ami 
vilified  as  aristocrats  and  slave-drivers;  and  on  tlje  recurrence 
of  every  national  contest  this  new  party  resorted  to  every  device 
to  create  animosities   between   the  sections.     At   this    time  the 


8 


Democratic  party  was  so  strong  it  became  factional,  and  was 
finally  disrupted  throuoh  the  political  jealousy  of  its  leaders. 
In  consequence  of  their  division  in  the  ensuing  election  four 
presidential  candidates  were  offered  for  the  suffrage  of  the  peo- 
ple, and  Mr.  Lincoln  was  elected.  As  it  was  the  first  time  in 
the  history  of  our  country  that  a  President  had  been  elected  by 
a  purely  sectional  vote,  and  a  large  portion  of  his  followers  were 
believed  to  be  intent  on  either  the  abolition  of  slavery  or  a  dis- 
ruption of  the  Union,  the  gravest  apprehensions  were  felt.  The 
situation  at  that  time  is  so  lucidly  and  graphically  described  in 
the  memoir  of  Richard  H.  Dana,  recently  prepared  by  Mr, 
Adams,  Minister  to  England  under  Mr.  Lincoln's  administra- 
tion, I  cannot  better  present  the  matter  than  by  using  hi.s  lan- 
guage: "  Looking  back  on  it  now,  after  the  lapse  of  nearly  thirty 
years,  it  is  curious  to  see  how  earnestly  all  played  their  parts  and 
how  essential  to  tlie  great  catastrophe  all  those  parts  were.  The 
extremists  on  botli  sides  were  urging  the  country  to  immediate 
blows,  regardless  of  consequences,  and  by  so  doing  they  were 
educating  it  to  the  necessary  j)oint  when  the  hour  should  come. 
Had  the  Southern  extremists  prevailed,  and  the  Southern  l)lood 
been  fired  by  an  assault  on  Fort  Sumter  in  January,  the  slave 
States  would  probably  have  been  swept  into  a  general  insurrec- 
tion while  Buchanan  was  still  .President,  with  Floyd  as  his  Sec- 
retary of  War.  Had  this  occurred  it  is  difficult  now  to  see  how 
the  government  could  have  been  preserved.  The  Southern 
extremists,  therefore,  when  they  urged  immediate  action  were, 
from  the  Southern  point  of  view,  clearly  right.  El  very  day  then 
lost  was  a  mistake,  and,  as  the  result  j^roved,  an  irreparai)le  mis- 
take. On  the  other  hand,  had  the  extremists  of  the  North 
prevailed  in  their  demand  for  immediate  action  they  would 
in  the  most  effective  way  possible  have  played  the  game  of 
their  opponents.  Fortunately  they  did  not  prevail,  but  tluir 
exhortations  to  action  and  denunciations  of  every  attempt  at 
a  compromise  educated  the  country  to  a  fighting  point." 

That   large  and    respectable  body  of   patriotic    citizens    who 
were   wedded  to  the  Union    and    dreaded    wai-,  and  above  all 


9 


tliin«j;s  a  civil  war,  wrvv  in  liivor  of  aiiv  coiiipidiMix'  wliicli 
niiiilit  result  in  i)it'sorviiii;  lianunny  In'tweoii  the  sections.  It 
is  (litliciilt  at  tliis  time  to  appreciate  the  excitement  of  those 
stormy  chiy>.  .^^()(^eratio^)  and  silence  was  hut  little  understood 
or  ap])rcciatcd.  The  liriii<;-  u|i(iii  Suiiitii'  Urcd  the  li(:irl>  nt" 
both  sections,  and  I'ollowed,  as  it  was,  i)y  a  call  (ti"  Mr.  Lincoln 
tor  troops  to  make  war  upon  the  States,  j)romptly  welded  the 
States  of  the  South  into  one  common  bond.  They  f'i'lt  that  if 
they  must  fight  they  preferred  to  Hirht  the  stranger  rathei-  than 
their  neighbors  who  were  contending  for  the  maintenance  of 
their  own  rights,  and  that  to  yield  to  the  party  in  jxiwer  at  such 
a  juncture  was  but  to  inviti-  further  aggressions  on  their  rights, 
and  that  this  would  involve  their  subjugation  with  the  over- 
throw of  their  most  cherished  institutions.  That  no  perma- 
ueut  compromise  was  practicable,  and  that  war  at  some  time 
was  inevitable  must  now  be  clear  to  all ;  that  the  war  has 
taken  place;  that  the  abolition  of  slavery  has  occurred  ;  that  the 
South  has  been  thiown  open  to  settlement,  to  free  and  unem- 
barrassed communication  to  the  outside  world;  that  the  greatness 
of  our  section  and  the  capal>ilitics  of  our  jieopic  to  maintain  our 
free  institutions  has  been  manifested,  and  that  the  war  has  proved 
a  great  educator  to  all,  is  now  conceded.  In  turning  over  the 
government  to  our  Northern  friends  the  much  misrepresented 
people  of  the  South  can  point  with  j)ride  to  the  fact  that  the 
declaration  that  "these  united  colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought 
to  be,  free,"  was  penned  by  a  Southern  statesman  ;  that  this  decla- 
ration was  made  good  under  the  leadership  of  a  Southern  gen- 
eral ;  that  "the  father  of  the  Constitution"  was  a  Southern 
man;  that  through  a  President,  a  Southern  man,  our  bounda- 
ries were  extended  from  ocean  to  ocean  and  from  the  Gulf  to 
the  lakes;  and  that  {)rior  to  the  late  war  all  a.ssaidts  again.st 
the  integrity  of  the  Union  were  compromised  and  accommo- 
dated mainly  through  Southern  statesmanship,  ^\'hen,  after  fifty 
years  of  its  existence,  the  government  was  turned  over  to  the 
statesmen  of  the  North,  in  the  language  of  one  of  her  gifted  and 
eloquent  sons,  the  South  surrendered  it  to  her  successors  "matcli- 
2 


10 


less  in  her  power,  incalculable  in   her  strength,  the  power  and 
the  glory  of"  the  M'orld." 
It  is  of 

STEPHEN    D.    RAMSEUR 

that  we  now  pro[)ose  to  speak — his  life,  his  services  and  his 
lamented  death.  In  the  Piedmont  section  of  our  State  there  is 
one  county  named  in  honor  of  that  Revolutionary  hero,  Benja- 
min Lincoln,  who  at  the  time  was  in  command  of  the  Conti- 
nental soldiers  in  Charleston  harbor,  fighting  for  the  freedom 
and  independence  of  the  American  colonies.  This  county  was 
originally  a  part  of  Mecklenburg,  the  "  Hornets'  Nest "  of  the 
Revolution,  and  her  sons  partook  of  the  sturdy  patriotism  of  their 
neighbors.  In  her  territorial  limits  was  fought  the  battle  of  Ram- 
seur's  Mill  and  other  stirring  scenes  of  like  nature.  Lincoln, 
though  one  of  the  smallest  counties  in  the  State,  gave  to  history 
such  well-known  Revolutionary  names  as  Brevard,  Dickson, 
Chronicle  and  others,  which,  though  less  generally  known,  were  no 
less  patriotic  and  determined  in  upholding  their  principles.  The 
county-seat  of  Lincoln,  with  that  want  of  imagination  and  origi- 
nality for  which  Americans  are  celebrated,  is  called  Lincolnton,  a 
small  village  long  distinguished  for  the  culture,  refinement  and 
unobtrusive  hosjiitality  of  its  people.  While  her  citizens  were  not 
wealthy  they  enjoyed  such  affluence  as  enabled  them  to  be  inde- 
pendent and  self-reliant.  About  the  year  1837  there  was  born  in 
Lincoln  county  three  children,  each  of  whom  became  distinguished 
in  war  before  attaining  his  twenty-seventh  year,  and  also  from 
among  her  accomplished  daughtei's  came  the  wives  of  Stonewall 
Jackson,  Lieutenant  General  D.  H.  Hill  and  Brigadier  General 
Rufus  Barringer.  Ramseur,  Hoke  and  R.  D.  Johnson  were  born 
within  a  year  of  each  otlier,  and  for  distinguished  services  in  ihe 
field  were  promoted  and  entitled  to  wear  the  coveted  general's 
wreath  on  their  collars.  This  same  county  gave  to  Alabama 
Brigadier  General  John  H.  Forney,  a  gallant  soldier,  who  is 
now,  and  for  years  has  been,  one  of  her  most  faithfid  and  trusted 
members  in  the  national   Congress.     Born   and    reared   amidst 


11 


siu'li  lav(ti-al)U'  ami  stiimilatin^-  siii-nniiitlin^s,  it  is  not  a  inatlcr 
of  Mirprisc  that  tlii-si-  youni;  luoii  should  liavi-  htcii  prompted  l>y 
an  h()iioral)le  t-iiudatioii  to  sicnre  thosi-  pri/''s  that  wen-  justly 
their  own,  tor  ^' h/()i><(  iri/l  (dl.'"  Kntirt'ly  IVt-e  from  the 
"  pomp  and  circuinstantr'  oC  trjorions  war,"  ever  kind  and  acccs- 
sihlo  to  those  abont  him,  sUillfnl  and  ahlc  in  the  lieid,  Majoi' 
General  Iloke  leadily  hecann'  the  idol  oC  his  soldiers.  While 
not  attaining  to  so  hi>;h  a  rank,  Brigadier  General  Johnson  was 
an  able  and  fearless  sohlier.  The  life  of  Ramsenr,  while  briefer, 
was  not  less  brilliant  and  attractive  than  that  of  any  of  his  eotem- 
poraries.  It  has  been  elocpiently  said  by  another:  ''A  book  of 
dates,  a  table  of  dynasties,  a  snceession  oit  kings,  or  popex,  or 
presidents — these  in  one  aspect  are  history;  but  if  they  are  to 
attract,  or  impress,  or  endnringly  infineuce  us,  behind  these  dry 
bones  of  the  historian's  cabinet  there  nuist  glow  and  palpitate 
the  living  lineaments  of  a  man." 

But  should  we  choose  an  element  of  pre-eminent  power  to 
interest  mankintl,  that  element  must  consist  of  the  life  and  deeds 
of  some  prominent  actor  upon  the  great  theatre  of  war.  While 
raanv  admire,  enjoy  and  are  improved  by  the  triumphs  of  the  im- 
a^'-ination  and  the  reason  the  impulse  and  the  heart  of  the  mnlti- 
tude  in  every  age  and  clime  have  been  taken  captive  by  the  great 
actors  rather  than  by  the  great  thinkers  among  men.  This  has 
l)een  true  from  the  time  of  Joshua  until  that  of  Mahomet,  and 
from  thence  to  the  present  time,  and  we  must  conclude  that  the 
multitude  is  right.  Even  the  eloquence  of  Demosthenes,  the  ora- 
tory of  Cicero,  the  glowing  periods  of  Longinus,  the  beauties  of 
Gibbon,  the  orpine  rhythm  of  Milton,  the  profound  reasoning  of 
Bacon  and  the  marvelous  creations  of  Shakespeare,  all  have  their 
enthusiastic  admirers,  but  the  heart  of  the  multitude  goes  out  in 
profound  admiration  for  the  courage,  the  genius  and  marvelous 
achievements  of  the  great  concjuerors  of  the  world.  It  attends 
them  not  only  in  their  triuini)s,  but  accompanies  them  with  its 
sympathy  in  disappointments  and  misfortunes.  So  many  elements 
are  combined  to  constitute  the  truly  great  commander  I  will  not 
endeavor  to  enumerate  them,  but  will  content  myself  by  saying 


12 


that  the  popular  sentiment  that  the  ideal  general  displays  his 
greatest  power  upon  the  battle  field  is  an  error,  of  which  the  late 
Von  Moltke  is  a  notable  example.  Plis  greatest  achievements 
consist  in  so  preparing  and  mobilizing  his  forces  as  to  virtually 
secure  his  success  before  encountering  his  adversary.  Our  Revo- 
lutionary period  supplies  us  with  an  example  of  one  of  those 
matchless  leaders,  who,  while  he  lost  the  majority  of  the  great 
battles  in  which  he  was  engaged,  yet,  even  amidst  the  hardships 
and  sufferings  of  a  ''Valley  Forge,"  by  his  forethought,  his 
patience  and  unselfish  patriotism  could  win  and  retain  the  confi- 
deuce  and  admiration  of  his  troops  until  he  led  them  to  the 
achievement  of  results  which  won  the  admiration  of  mankind. 
And  our  late  war  gave  us  the  example  of  one  who  in  all  respects 
was  a  fitting  complement  of  the  former.  Peerless  in  victory  and 
in  adversity,  he  was  matchless.  Among  the  many  able  general 
officers  which  the  exigencies  of  the  late  war  called  to  the  front, 
Ramseur  is  entitled  to  rank  high,  and  gave  the  most  flattering 
promises  of  still  greater  achievements. 

Stephen  D.  Ramseur,  the  second  child  of  Jacob  A.  and 
Lucy  M.  Ramseur,  had  Revolutionary  blood  in  his  veins 
through  John  Wilfong,  a  hero  who  was  wounded  at  King's 
Mountain  and  fought  at  Eutaw  Springs.  He  was  born  in  Lin- 
colnton  the  31st  day  of  May,  1837.  His  surroundings  were 
well  calculated  to  promote  a  well  developed  character  and  a 
strong  self-relying  manhood.  His  parents  were  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  did  not  neglect  to  see  their  son 
properly  instructed  in  their  religious  tenets.  They  were  pos- 
sessed of  ample  means  for  their  section,  and  gave  to  him  the 
best  advantages  of  social  and  intellectual  improvement  without 
l)eing  exposed  to  the  "devices  and  snares  of  the  outer  world." 
To  the  strong  and  beautiful  character  of  his  mother,  Ramseur  is 
said  to  have  been  indebted  for  the  greater  part  of  his  success  in 
life.  In  preparing  the  life  of  Dr.  Thoruwell,  Rev.  Dr.  Palmer 
has  asserted  a  truth  Avhich  may  be  classed  as  a  proverb:  "The 
pages  of  history  will  be  searched  in  vain  for  a  great  man  who 
had  a  fool  for  his  mother."     In  writin<>;  of  her  the  Hon.  David 


13 


Sc'hciu'k,  who  mairii'il  Sullic  Wilioiit;,  her  second  daughter, 
says:  '*  As  a  yoiiiiu-  lady  Aw  was  said  to  liavc  Im'cii  hcantiCid  and 
attractive.  I  knew  Iut  intimately  from  1.S4'.)  to  lier  death.  Shi- 
was  a  woman  of  oieat  force  of  character.  To  a  jnd<:;ment  clear 
and  firm  she  nnited  jrenth'iies.s,  tenderness  and  sympathy.  Her 
manners  were  easy  and  eonrteons  and  fascinating,  f^he  was  an 
active  and  devoted  memher  of  the  Presbyterian  Chnrch,  and 
bronii,ht  uj)  hci- chilthcn  in  the  teachings  of  the shoi-ter  cate<'hism 
from  their  early  youth.  It  was  to  her  that  CJeneral  Kamseur 
owed  the  mental  and  moral  tonndations  of  his  character."  lie 
receivecj  his  jncnaratory  trainin*:;  in  the  schools  of  Lincolnton 
and  in  the  village  of  Milton,  then  he  matriculated  at  David- 
son College,  entered  the  Freshman  cla.ss  and  passed  eigliteen 
months  at  this  institution.  He  early  displayed  that  decision  of 
character  and  force  of  will  that  distinguished  him  in  after  life. 
He  had  an  ardent  longing  for  a  military  career,  and  though  dis- 
appointed in  his  efforts  to  secure  an  aj)pointment  as  a  cadet  at 
the  United  States  Military  Academy,  he  was  not  cast  down. 
Through  the  aid  of  General  D.  H.  Hill,  then  a  professor  at 
Davidson,  his  second  application  was  successfid.  He  was  given 
his  appointment  to  the  Academy  by  that  sturdy  old  Roman,  the 
Hon.  Burton  Craige,  who  before  the  days  of  rotation  in  office 
was  long  an  able  and  distinguished  member  <if  Congress  from 
our  State.  Ramseur  spent  the  usual  term  of  five  years  at  the 
Academy  and  was  graduated  with  distinction  in  the  class  of  1860. 
Among  his  class-mates  of  national  reputation  were  Generals 
.lames  H.  Wilson  and  Merritt,  Colonel  Wilson,  Commandant  at 
United  States  Military  Academy,  and  Colonel  A.  C.  M.  Penning- 
ton, U.  S.  A. 

Through  his  courtesy,  sincerity  and  the  conscientious  discharge 
of  his  duties  while  at  West  Point  he  formed  manv  valued 
friendships  both  among  his  fellow-students  and  in  the  corps. 
After  graduating,  Ramseur  entered  the  light  artillery  service 
and  was  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  by  brevet.  He  was 
in  the  United  States  army  but  a  .short  time  prior  to  the  break- 
ing   out    of  hostilities,   and  during    that  time  was  assigned   to 


14 

duty  at  Fortress  Monroe.  In  April,  1861,  he  resigned  his  com- 
mission in  the  old  army  and  promptly  tendered  his  sword  to  the 
Provisional  Government  of  the  Confederate  States,  then  assem- 
bled at  Montgomery.  By  this  government  he  was  commissioned 
First  Lieutenant  of  Artillery  and  ordered  to  the  department  of 
Mississippi.  About  this  time  a  battery  of  artillery  was  being 
formed  at  Raleigh,  whose  membership  was  comprised  of  the 
flower  of  the  patriotic  youth  of  the  State.  It  was  called  "the 
Ellis  Artillery,"  in  honor  of  our  then  very  able  and  patri- 
otic Governor,  whose  early  death  by  phOiisis  was  an  irreparable 
loss  to  our  State  in  the  early  days  of  the  war.  The  officers  were 
Manly,  Saunders,  Guion  and  Bridgers,  who,  owing  to  our  long 
peace  establishment,  were  not  familiar  with  even  the  rudiments 
of  the  drill.  Therefore,  with  more  patriotism  than  selfish  emu- 
lation, they  promptly  applied  through  Lieutenant  Saunders  to 
their  friend  the  Governor  for  some  suitable  and  reliable  com- 
mander. With  a  pardonable  pride  in  so  fine  a  company,  Gov- 
ernor Ellis  had  doubtless  previously  considered  this  subject  in 
his  own  mind.  At  all  events,  so  soon  as  the  request  was  made 
known  he  promptly  replied:  "I  have  the  very  man.  You 
couldn't  get  a  better.  It  is  Lieutenant  Ramseur."  Thereupon 
a  dispatch  was  sent  tendering  him  the  command,  which  reached 
him  on  his  way  to  his  new  field  of  duty.  He  accepted  the  unso- 
licited but  none  the  less  coveted  distinction  of  repelling  the 
invasion  of  his  native  State  in  command  of  her  own  sous,  and 
repaired  at  once  to  Raleigh.  On  arriving  at  the  camp  of 
instruction  near  this  place  he  found  a  first-class  command  of 
raw  recruits  without  equipments  or  discipline  or  the  remotest 
conception  of  the  magnitude  of  the  great  contest  before  them. 
Many  had  joined  the  artillery  because  it  was  known  to  be  one  of 
the  higher  and  more  attractive  branches  of  the  service.  They 
concurred  with  Secretary  Seward,  that  the  war  was  a  matter  of 
a  few  months,  or  else  with  Vice-President  Stephens,  that  for 
the  defense  of  their  firesides  gentlemen  should  not  be  kept  in 
camps  of  instruction  and  discipline,  but  permitted  to  remain  at 
their  homes,  for  they  were  capable  of  judging  when  the  enemy 


15 


should  1)0  met,  and  by  what  methods  most  easily  defeated.  If 
ihey  had  read  of  war  it  was,  in  books  which  gave  it  such  gloss 
and  glamour  as  iw.nlr  every  battle  magnificent,  if  not  positively 
delectable,  for  such,  indeed,  is  the  general  cnn-ent  of  ])oj)nlar 
history.  Not  so  Kamscur,  who  had  been  taught  in  (he  school 
where  the  art  of  war  is  thoroughly  explained,  the  discij)line  and 
drudgery  of  soldier  life  daily  seen  and  the  distinctions  and 
advantages  of  rank  recognized  and  respected.  His  education 
and  expci'ience  led  him  to  concur  with  Viscount  Woolsey,  who, 
in  speaking  of  war,  declares  that  active  service  teaches  us  some 
painful  lessons:  "That  all  men  are  not  heroes;  that  the  (jualitv 
as  well  as  quantity  of  their  courage  dilfers  largely;  that  some 
men  are  i)ositivcly  cowtirds;  that  there  always  is,  always  has 
been,  and  always  will  be,  a  good  deal  of  skulking  and  malinger- 
ing; it  teaches  us  not  to  expect  too  much  from  any  body  of  men; 
above  all  things  to  value  the  truly  brave  men  as  worth  more 
than  all  the  talkers  and  spouters  who  have  ever  squabbled  for 
place  in  the  arena  of  politics."  Ramseur  was  well  satisfied  with 
the  esprit  tie  corpn  of  his  command,  and  resolved  to  emj)lov  it  to 
the  best  advantage.  To  do  this  his  men  must  have  a  knowledge 
of  tactics,  discipline,  and  subordination  was  indispen.sable.  He 
had  considered  all  this,  determined  what  was  right,  and  whether 
it  consorted  with  the  wishes  and  inclinations  of  those  who 
belonged  to  the  command  or  not  was  not  material  with  him. 
Indeed,  duty  was  his  jxdar  star.  He  did  not  willingly  .sever  his 
connection  from  the  old  army,  but  wlu;n  called  on  to  elect  whether 
he  woidd  fight  for  or  against  his  people  and  his  State  there  was 
no  hesitancy,  no  d()ul)t  as  to  where  his  duty  lay,  and  he  threw 
his  wht)le  soul  and  energies  into  the  cause  of  the  South.  This 
company  was  composed  of  twelve  months  men.  Ramseur 
wanted  .soldiers,  and  wanted  them  for  the  war.  This  being 
known,  .some,  a  few  members  of  the  company,  began  to  become 
discontented.  They  feared  they  were  to  be  treated  as  regular 
soldiers,  and  insisted  that  inasmuch  as  they  had  volunteered  only 
fur  twelve  months  that  should  the  company  be  reorganized  for 
the  war  they  were  entitled  to  withdraw.     They  were  good  men 


16 


and  did  not  desire  to  leave  the  service:  they  were  allowed  to  with- 
draw, and  in  other  fields  made  valient  soldiers.  The  reorgani- 
zation of  the  battery  was  soon  completed,  all  elements  of  discord 
eliminated,  and,  under  the  skillful  management  and  discipline  of 
its  new  Captain,  made  admirable  progress.  The  great  thing  now 
was  to  secure  its  guns  and  equipments,  and  in  this  the  company 
was  aided  by  its  name  and  the  patriotic  ardor  of  the  citizens  of 
Raleigh.  At  this  time  there  was  only  one  field  battery  availa- 
ble, and  for  it  another  company  was  applying.  The  name  and 
jiersonnel  of  the  Ellis  Artillery  won  the  prize,  while  the  volun- 
tary subscriptions  of  our  citizens  supplied  it  with  horses.  Being 
without  tents  or  suitable  parade  grounds,  Mr.  William  Boy- 
Ian  tendered  it  his  residence  and  out-buildings  for  shelter  and 
ample  grounds  as  a  camp  for  instruction.  The  offer  was  accepted, 
and  here  the  company  received  that  impress  which,  when  called 
to  Virginia  and  brought  in  comparison  with  others,  carried  off 
the  palm  for  their  soldierly  bearing,  their  splendid  drill  and 
handsome  equipment.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  summer  of  1861 
the  company  was  ordered  to  Smithfield,  Va.,  where  the  fall  and 
winter  months  were  spent  without  graver  duties  than  occasional 
reconnoissances  to  and  from  Norfolk.  McClellan's  army  was 
now  near  Washington,  confronted  by  that  of  General  Joe  Johns- 
ton, while  the  public  mind  of  the  North  was  becoming  very 
impatient  at  its  inaction,  and  began  to  renew  the  cry  of  "On  to 
Richmond!"  which  had  been  so  popular  before  the  inglorious 
defeat  of  the  Federal  army  at  Manassas.  McClellan,  unable  to 
resist  this  clamor,  determined  to  endeavor  to  reach  the  Con- 
federate capital  by  way  of  the  lower  Chesapeake,  and  on  trans- 
ports transferred  his  army  to  the  Peninsular  and  sat  down  before 
Yorktown.  It  is  estimated  that  McClellan  at  this  time  had  an 
army  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  men  fit 
for  duty.  This  force  was  to  l)e  confronted  and  delayed  until 
Johnston  could  arrive  by  thirteen  thousand  Confederates  under 
J.  B.  Magruder,  who,  in  order  to  accomj)lish  this  purpose,  was 
compelled  to  cover  a  front  of  thirteen  miles  with  his  small  force. 
The  work  was  done,  and  with  consummate  ability,  and  it  is  no 


17 


tlisnarai'-oment    lo  others  to  sav    there    was   no  otlicer   in   either 
armv   better  (|iialilie»l   to   play    such  a   game  ol"  bhilV  than   the 
genial,  whole-souled  Magrudtr.      Raniseur  was  ordered  to  report 
with  his   battery   at    Vorktnwu.      When    he  arrived    Magruder, 
who  had  known  him    in   the  old  .aiiny,  detached    liini    from    hi.- 
battery  and  placed  him   in  cotnmaml   of  all  the  artillery  on  his 
ri'dil.      Here  Kamseur  saw  his  first  active  service  in  the  field, 
and  received   the  promotion  of  Mait)r.      On    the  arrival    of  the 
forces   of  McC'lellan    a  campaign  of    maneuvering    commenced 
which  delayed  advance  for  over   a   month.     In   the   meantime 
Ramseur  had  been  elected  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Third  Regi- 
ment of  Volunteers,  but  declinid  to  leave  his  battery.     Subse- 
(juentlv,  and   before  serious  demonstrations   had   begun,  he  was 
elected  Colonel  of  the  Forty-ninth  Regiment  of  Infantry.      He 
was  still  reluctant  to  leave  his  battery,  but  appreciating  the  fact 
that  Manly  and   its  other  officers  were  then   well  qualified  for 
any  duties  that  might  be  required  of  them,  through   the  per- 
suasiou  of  friends  he  was  induced  to  accept  the  promotion.    Sub- 
sequent events  soon  justified  his  confidence  in  this  artillery  com- 
pany.    At  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  where  it  received  its  first 
baptism  of  fire,  it  gathered   fadeless  laurels  which   it   was  des- 
tined to  wear  throughout  the  war  with  a   fame  still  augmenting. 
The  Forty-ninth  Regiment  was  composed  of  raw  recruits  who 
were  gathered  together  in    the  camp  of  instruction  at  Raleigh, 
organized  into  companies  and  regiments  and  instructed  as  to  its 
duties  in  the  field.     With   his  accustomed   energy  and   ability 
Ramseur  immediately  addressed  himself  to  the  labor  of  making 
soldiers  out  of  these  new  recruits.     By  constant  drill   he  soon 
had  his  regiment  in  fair  condition;  and,  as  the  emergency    was 
pressing,  he  moved  with  it  to  the   point    of  danger.     The   regi- 
ment was  assigned  to  the  brigade  of  an  (»ld  army  officer.  General 
Robert  Ransom,  who  was  soon  to  become  a  distinguished  Major 
General   of  cavalry  in    the   Army  of   Northern   Virginia  and 
theuce  to  be  assigned  to  the  command  of  all  the  cavalry   under 
Longstreet  in  his  operations  in  the  West.     In  the  series  of  bat- 
ties  around    Richmond,  known    as   the   "Seven    Days'    Fight," 
3 


Ramseur,  while  gallantly  leading  his  regiment  in  the  battle  of 
Malvern  Hill,  received  a  severe  and  disabling  wound  through 
the  right  arm,  but  declined  to  leave  the  field  until  the  action  was 
over.  This  wound  necessitated  his  removal  to  Richmond,  where 
he  was  detained  for  over  a  month  before  his  injury  permitted 
him  to  enjoy  the  much-coveted  pleasure  of  a  visit  to  his  home. 
Indeed,  the  arm  was  broken,  and  he  was  ever  afterwards  com- 
pelled to  wear  it  in  a  sling. 

In  his  report  General  Ransom  speaks  of  the  conspicuous  gal- 
lantry of  Ramseur  and  his  men,  and  it  was  by  reason  of  his 
soldierlv  qualities  mainly,  displayed  upon  this  occasion,  that  his 
promotion  to  the  rank  of 

BRIGADIER    GENERAL 

soon  followed.  While  still  at  home  wounded  Ramseur  received 
notice  of  his  unexpected  promotion.  At  first  he  doubted  whether 
one  so  young  should  accept  so  responsible  a  position,  and  was  dis- 
posed to  decline  the  promotion.  His  friends  did  not  coincide  in  his 
views,  and  through  their  persuasion  he  was  induced  to  accept  it. 
In  October,  1862,  with  his  arm  still  disabled,  he  went  to  Rich- 
mond to  make  a  decision"  in  regard  to  the  brigade  oflPered  him. 
While  there  he  called  upon  Mr.  Davis,  alike  distinguished  as  a 
soldier  and  a  statesman,  to  whom  he  expressed  the  fears  then 
agitating  his  mind.  In  that  affable  and  engaging  manner  pecu- 
liar to  himself,  Mr.  Davis  at  once  dismissed  any  suggestion  of 
his  declining,  and  on  the  contrary  urged  him  to  accept  the  com- 
mand, return  home  and  remain  until  he  had  entirely  recovered 
his  health  and  his  strength.  But  Ramseur  obeyed  only  in  part 
the  suggestions  of  his  Commander-in-chief.  He  accepted  the 
command  of  the  brigade  and  went  at  once  to  the  Army  of 
Northern  A^irginia,  and,  with  his  wound  still  green,  entered  upon 
the  discharge  of  his  duties.  This  brigade  was  then  composed 
of  the  Second  Regiment,  organized  and  instructed  by  that  able 
tactician,  scholarly  and  accomplished  gentleman,  Colonel  C.  C. 
Tew,  who  was  killed  at  Sharpsburg;  the  Fourth  by  the  chiv- 
alrous and   lamented   Brigadier  General  George  B.  Anderson, 


19 


wliii  (lii'il  of  woiinds  ivccivctl  at  Sharpsburg ;  the  l^'oiirti'ditli, 
before  its  reorganization,  was  eoiiuiianded  and  instructed  hv  that 
soldierly  and  ardent  North  Oii'olinian,  ]iri<iailier  (ieneral  Junius 
Daniel,  who  fell  in  the  8pottsylvania  (•ainj)ai<i;n  ere  his  eoniniis- 
sion  as  a  Major  (General  had  reaehed  him;  and  the  'riiirtieth 
l)y  Colonel  F.  M.  Parker,  the  brave  soldier  and  courteous  gen- 
tleman, of  whom  further  mention  will  be  made  during  the  course 
of  this  narrative.  Ramseur,  "liUe  ai)ples  of  gold  in  j)ictures  of 
silver,"  was  aptly  and  fitly  chosen  the  worthy  c-ommander  of 
this  distinguished  brigade,  and  immediately  addressed  himself  to 
its  reorganization.  His  admirable  qualifications  for  his  duties 
and  his  pure  and  chivalrous  character  were  soon  recognized  and 
appreciated  and  infused  new  life  and  spirit  into  the  command. 
Asa  disciplinarian  he  was  rigid;  as  a  tactician,  skillful;  as  a 
judge  of  men,  good;  as  a  redressor  of  wrongs,  prompt;  as  an 
officer,  courteous  and  urbane;  as  a  soldier,  fearless  and  chival- 
rous. He  early  commanded  the  respect  and  ultimately  won  the 
hearts  of  all  over  whom  he  held  command*  This  brigade  at 
the  time  he  assumed  command  was  in  Rodes'  Division  of  Jack- 
son's Corps.  Ramseur  remained  in  command  without  events  of 
any  particular  in)portance  occurring  until  he  entered  upon  his 

CHANCELLORSVILLE   CAMPAIGN. 

His  report  of  that  famous  battle  is  so  full  and  complete,  and  so 
clearly  displays  the  unselfish  and  chivalrous  nature  of  this  officer, 
I  am  confident  I  cannot  do  better  than  to  incorporate  it  as  a  part 
of  this  sketch.     It  reads  as  follows: 

"May  23,  1864. 

"Sir:— In  obedience  to  Orders  No.  — ,  dated  May  7th,  1863, 
I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  opera- 
tions of  my  brigade  in  the  series  of  skirmishes  and  battles  open- 
ing at  Massaj)onax  Creek  and  ending  in  the  splendid  victorv  at 
Chancellorsville  : 

"Wednesday  a.  m.,  April  'iOth,  the  brigade  was  placed  below 
Massaponax  Creek  to  dispute  the  enemy's  crossing,  and  remained 


20 


in  that  position,  occasionally  annoyed  by  their  artillery  (by  which 
I  lost  a  few  men)  and  kept  on  the  alert  by  picket  firing  until 
Thursday  evening,  when  we  were  withdrawn  to  a  point  near 
Hamilton's  Crossing. 

"Friday,  May  1st,  at  3  a.  m.,  we  were  aroused  for  the  march 
and  led  the  advance  of  Major  General  Rodes'  Division  in  the 
direction  of  Chancellorsville.  At  a  distance  of  seven  miles  from 
Fredericksburg  we  were  detached  from  onr  own  division  and 
ordered  to  report  to  Major  General  Anderson,  when  we  advanced 
upon  the  enemy,  who  fell  back  in  confusion  before  our  sharp- 
shooters for  several  miles,  strewing  the  way  with  their  arms  and 
baggage,  this  brigade,  with  General  Posey  on  our  right  and  Gen- 
eral Wright  on  our  left,  for  upwards  perhaps  of  two  miles, 
being  in  advance.  About  6  P.  m.  we  found  the  foe  in  force  upon 
our  front  and  supported  by  batteries  that  poured  grape  unsparingly 
into  the  woods  through  which  we  were  still  advancinjj.  Night 
approaching  a  halt  was  ordered,  and  we  slept  on  our  arms  with 
a  strong  picket  line  on  the  outposts. 

"Saturday,  May  2d,  we  were  relieved  about  sunrise  and  shortly 
thereafter  marched  by  a  series  of  circuitous  routes  and  with  sur- 
passing strategy  to  a  position  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  whom 
at  about  5  P.  M.  we  were  ordered  to  attack. 

"This  brigade  was  directed  to  support  Brigadier  General  Col- 
quitt, with  orders  to  overlap  his  right  by  one  regiment,  and  was 
placed  accordingly.  At  the  command  we  advanced  with  the 
division,  preserving  a  distance  of  about  one  hundred  yards  in 
the  rear  of  General  Colquitt.  Brisk  firing  was  soon  heard  upon 
our  front  and  left,  indicating  that  General  Doles  had  encountered 
the  foe.  At  this  point  General  Colquitt  moved  by  the  right 
flank,  sending  me  word  by  an  officer  of  his  staff  that  the  enemy 
was  attempting  to  turn  his  right.  I  immediately  moved  by  the 
right  flank,  but  heard  no  firing  in  that  quarter.  Again  he  sent 
his  staff  officer  to  infi)rm  me  that  the  enemy  was  passing  by  his 
right  flank,  when  I  directed  him  to  say  to  General  Colquitt  (in 
effect)  that  the  firing  indicated  a  sharp  fight  with  General  Doles, 
and  that  my  impression  was  that  his  support  was  needed  there, 


21 

ami  tl):it  I  would  take  carr  ».f  his  rioht  Hank.  ( Jciicral  ('oI(|niit 
inovt'd  to  tliL'  iVont,  with  the  exi-cjjtioii  of  oiw  ivgimeiit,  whidi 
(•(mtimu'd  t(»  tUv  riijht.  I  thi'ii  pressed  on  hy  the  rij^ht  Hank  to 
meet  the  eiuiuy  tiiat  ( Jeiicral  C'ohjtiilt's  statl'  officer  twice  rejioitcd 
to  me  to  he  in  that  direction,  and  prosecuted  the  .search  for  hall" 
a  mile  perhaps,  hut  not  a  solitary  Yankee  was  to  i)e  seen.  I 
then  came  np  to  the  division  line  and  moved  l)v  the  left  flank  to 
the  silpport  of  (Jeneral  Colquitt,  whose  men  were  resting;  in  line 
of  hattle  on  the  field  (ireneral  Doles  had  won. 

"Saturday  niglit  our  division  occupied  the  last  Hue  of  Uittle 
within  the  intrenchments  from  which  the  routed  corps  of  Sigel 
had  fled  iu  terror.  My  brigade  w^as  placed  perpendicular  to  the 
plank-road,  the  left  resting  on  the  road,  General  Doles  on  my 
right  and  Colonel  (E.  A.)  O'Xeal,  commanding  Rodes'  Brigade, 
on  my  left.  I  placed  Colonel  (F.  M.)  Parker,  Thirtieth  North 
Carolina,  on  the  ^right  of  my  brigade;  Colonel  (R.  T.)  Bennett, 
Fourteenth  North  Carolina,  on  right  centre;  Colonel  (\V.  R.) 
Cox,  Second  North  Caroliua,  left  ceutre,  and  Colonel  (Brvan) 
Grimes,  Fourth  North  Carolina,  on  left. 

"Sunday,  May  3d,  the  division,  being  as  stated,  in  the  third  line 
of  battle,  advanced  about  9  o'clock  to  the  support  of  the  second 
line.  After  proceeding  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  I  was  applied 
to  by  Major  (W.  J.)  Pegram  for  supj)ort  to  his  battery,  ^-hen  I 
detached  Colonel  Parker,  Thirtieth  North  Carolina,  for  this  pur- 
pose, with  orders  to  advance  obliquely  to  his  front  and  left  and 
join  mc  after  his  support  should  be  no  longer  needed,  or  to  fight 
his  regiment  as  circumstances  might  recpiire.  I  continued  to 
advance  to  the  first  line  of  breastworks,  from  which  the  enemy  had 
beeu  driven,  and  behind  which  I  found  a  small  portion  of  Paxton's 
Brigade  and  Jones'  Jirigade,  of  Trimble's  Division.  Knowing  that 
a  general  advance  had  been  ordered,  1  told  these  troops  to  move 
forward.  Not  a  man  moved,  I  then  reported  this  state  of  things 
to  Major  General  Stuart,  who  directed  me  to  assume  command 
of  these  troops  and  compel  them  to  advance.  This  I  essaved  to 
do,  and,  after  fruitless  efforts,  ascertained  that  General  Jones  was 
not  on  the  field  and  that  Colonel  (T.  S.)  Garnett  had  been  killed, 


22 


I  reported  again  to  General  Stuart,  who  was  near,  and  requested 
permission  to  run  over  the  troops  in  my  front,  which  was  cheer- 
fully granted.  At  the  command  "Forward  !"  my  brigade,  with 
a  shout,  cleared  the  breastworks  and  charged  the  enemy.  The 
Fourth  North  Carolina  (Colonel  Grimes)  and  seven  companies 
of  the  Second  North  Carolina  (Colonel  Cox)  drove  the  enemy 
before  them  until  they  had  taken  the  last  line  of  his  works, 
which  they  held  under  a  severe,  direct  and  enfilading  fire,  repul- 
sing several  assaults  on  this  portion  of  our  front.  The  Four- 
teenth North  Carolina  (Colonel  Bennett)  and  three  companies  of 
the  Second  were  compelled  to  halt  some  one  hundred  and  fifty 
or  two  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the  troops  just  mentioned  for 
the  reason  that  the  troops  on  my  right  had  failed  to  come  up 
and  the  enemy  was  in  heavy  force  on  my  right  flank.  Had 
Colonel  Bennett  advanced  the  enemy  could  easily  have  turned  my 
right.  As  it  was,  my  line  was  subjected  to  a  horrible  enfilading 
fire,  by  which  I  lost  severely.  I  saw  the  danger  threatening 
my  right,  and  sent  several  times  to  Jones'  Brigade  to  come  to  ray 
assistance,  and  I  also  went  back  twice  myself  and  exhorted  and 
ordered  it  (officers  and  men)  to  fill  up  the  gap  (some  five  or  six 
hundred  yards)  on  my  right,  but  ail  in  vain.  I  then  reported 
to  General  Rodes  that  unless  support  was  sent  to  drive  the 
enemy  from  my  right  I  would  have  to  fall  back.  In  the  mean- 
time Colonel  Parker  of  the  Thirtieth  North  Carolina,  approach- 
ing from  the  battery  on  the  right,  suddenly  fell  upon  the  flank 
and  repulsed  a  heavy  column  of  the  enemy  who  were  moving  to 
get  in  ray  rear  by  my  right  flank,  some  three  or  four  hundred  of 
them  surrendering  to  him  as  prisoners  of  war.  The  enemy  still 
held  his  strong  position  in  the  ravine  on  my  rigiit,  so  that  the 
Fourteenth  North  Carolina  and  the  three  comj)anies  of  the  Second 
North  Carolina  could  not  advance.  The  eneray  discovered  this 
situation  of  affairs  and  pushed  a  brigade  to  the  right  and  rear  of 
Colonel  Grimes  and  seven  companies  of  Colonel  Cox's  (Second 
North  Carolina),  with  the  intention  of  capturing  their  com- 
raands.  This  advance  was  made  under  a  terrible  direct  fire  of 
musketry  and   artillery.     The   move   necessitated   a   retrograde 


2a 


inovt'inciit  oil  till'  \K\vi  of  Colonels  (irimcs  and  Cox,  wliicii  was 
exec'uletl  in  order,  bnt  with  the  loss  of  some  prisoners,  who  did  not 
hear  the  coniniund  to  retire.  (\)Ionel  Bennett  held  his  position 
nntil  ordereil  to  fiill  hack,  and,  in  eommon  with  all  the  others, 
to  repli'iiish  his  empty  cartridge-boxes.  The  enemy  did  not  halt 
;it  this  position,  but  retired  to  his  battery,  from  which  lie  was 
(juicUly  (iriven.  Colonel  Parker  of  the;  Thirtieth  North  Carolina 
sweepiiii;'  over  it  with  tlii'  troops  on  my  right. 

"After  re})lenishing  cartridge-boxes  I  received  an  order  from 
Major  General  Kodes  to  throw  my  brigade  on  the  left  of  the 
road  to  meet  an  apprehended  attack  of  the  enemy  in  that  quar- 
ter. This  was  done,  and  afterwards  I  was  moved  to  a  position 
on  the  plank-road  which  was  intrenched,  and  which  we  occupied 
until  the  division  w^as  ordered  back  to  camp  near  Hamilton's 
Crossing. 

"  The  charge  of  the  brigade,  made  at  a  critical  moment,  when 
the  enemy  had  broken  and  was  hotly  pressing  the  centre  of  the 
line  in  our  front  with  apparently  overwhelming  numbers,  not  only 
checked  his  advance  but  threw  him  back  in  disorder  and  pushed 
him  with  heavy  loss  from  his  last  line  of  works. 

"Too  high  praise  cannot  be  accredited  to  officers  and  men  for 
their  gallantry,  fortitude  and  manly  courage  during  this  brief 
but  arduous  campaign.  Exposed  as  they  had  been  for  five  days 
immediately  preceding  the  fights  on  the  picket  line,  they  were, 
of  course,  somewhat  wearied,  bnt  the  order  to  move  forward  and 
confront  the  enemy  brightened  every  eye  and  quickened  every 
stej).  Under  fire  all  through  Wednesday,  Wetlnesday  night  and 
Thursday,  without  being  able  effectually  to  return  this  fire,  they 
bore  all  bravely,  and  led  the  march  towards  Chancellorsville  on 
Friday  morning  in  splendid  order.  The  advance  of  the  brigade 
ou  Friday  afternoon  was  made  under  the  very  eyes  of  our 
departed  hero  (Jackson)  and  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill,  whose 
words  of  praise  and  commendation,  bestowed  upon  the  field,  we 
fondly  cherish.  And  on  Sunday  the  magnificent  charge  of  the 
brigade  upon  the  enemy's  last  and  most  terrible  stronghold  was 
made  in   view  of  Major  General  Stuart  and  our  division  com- 


24 


mander,  Major  General  R.  E.  Rodes,  whose  testimony  that  it 
was  the  most  glorious  charge  of  that  most  glorious  day,  we  are 
proud  to  remember  aud  report  to  our  kindred  and  friends. 

"To  enumerate  all  the  officers  and  men  who  deserve  special 
mention  for  their  gallantry  would  he  to  return  a  list  of  all 
who  were  on  the  field.  All  met  the  enemy  with  unfiinching 
courage;  and  for  privations,  hardships,  and  splendid  marches, 
all  of  which  were  cheerfully  borne,  they  richly  deserve  the  thanks 
of  our  beautiful  and  glorious  Confederacy. 

"I  cannot  close  without  mentioning  the  conspicuous  gallantry 
and  great  efficiency  of  my  regimental  commander.  Colonel  Par- 
ker of  the  Thirtieth  North  Carolina  was  detached  during  the 
fight  of  Sunday  to  support  a  battery,  and  having  accomplished 
that  object  moved  forward  on  his  own  responsibility  and  greatly 
contributed  to  wrest  the  enemy's  stronghold  at  Chancellorsville 
from  their  grasp  as  well  as  prevent  their  threatened  demonstra- 
tions upon  the  right  of  my  brigade;  the  gallant  Grimes  of  the 
Fourth  North  Carolina,  whose  conduct  on  other  fields  gave 
promise  of  what  was  fully  realized  on  this;  Colonel  Bennett  of 
the  Fourteenth  North  Carolina,  conspicuous  for  his  coolness 
under  the  hottest  fire,  and  last,  though  not  least,  the  manly  and 
chivalrous  Cox  of  the  Second  North  Carolina,  the  accomplished 
gentleman,  splendid  soldier,  and  warm  friend,  who,  though 
wounded  five  times,  remained  with  his  regiment  until  exhausted. 
lu  common  with  the  entire  comniand,  I  regret  his  temporary 
absence  from  the  field,  where  he  loved  to  be. 

"Major  Daniel  W.  Hurtt,  Second  Norjth  Carolina  State 
Troops,  commanded  the  skirmishers  faithfully  and  wt^ll. 

"To  the  field  and  company  officers,  one  and  all,  my  thanks 
are  due  for  the  zeal  and  bravery  displayed  under  the  most  try- 
ing circumstances. 

"To  the  gentlemen  of  my  staff  I  owe  especial  thanks  for  ser- 
vices rendered  on  the  march  and  upon  the  field.  Captain  Seaton 
Gales,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  and  Lieutenant  Caleb  Rich- 
mond, Aide-de-catnp,  were  with  me  all  the  time,  promptly  car- 
rying orders  under  the  very   hottest  fire.     I  take  pleasure,  too. 


25 


in  s|)eiiking  of  the  braveiv  of  private  James  Stinson,  eourier, 
a  youth  of  twenty,  who  displayed  (pialities  a  veteran  ini^ht  boast 
of",  anil  of  the  eondnrt  of  private  J.  B.  Jk'ggarly,  also  a  courier 
to  headquarters. 

"To  Dr.  G.   \V.   Brings,  Senior  Surgeon  of  the   brigade,  my 
thanks  are  due  for  his  zeal,  skill,  and  care  of  the  wounded. 
"I  am,  sir,  very  respeet fully, 

"  Your  obetiient  servant, 

"Stephen  D.  Ramseih, 
"Brigadier  General  Cominandimjy 

In  the  report  of  this  battle  by  Major  General  Rodes  he 
makes  the  following  remarks  as  to  the  part  borne  by  Ramseur's 
Brigade : 

"  While  these  movements  were  taking  place  on  the  left,  Ram- 
seur  and  Doles  pushed  forward  on  the  right,  passed  the  first  line 
of  iiitrenelunents,  which  had  already  been  carried,  passed  the 
first  and  second  lines  of  our  troops,  and  became  fiercely  engaged. 
Doles  deflecting  to  the  right,  passed  up  a  ravine  behind  the  grave- 
yard on  Chancellor's  Hill,  and  finally  came  out  iu  the  field  nearly 
opposite  the  house,  driving  the  enemy  before  him  as  he  advanced, 
actually  getting  several  hundred  yards  t(»  the  rear  as  well  of 
those  troops  opposing  the  rest  of  my  division  as  of  those  oppos- 
ing General  Anderson's  Division.  Subsequently  he  was  com- 
pelled to  fall  back  and  was  directed  by  General  Lee  to  take  a 
large  body  of  j)risoners.  Ramseur,  after  vainly  urging  the 
troops  in  the  first  line  of  intrenchment  to  move  forward,  obtained 
permission  to  pass  them,  and,  dashing  over  the  works,  charged 
the  second  intrenchment  in  the  most  brilliant  style.  The  strug- 
gle at  this  point  was  long  and  obstinate,  but  the  charge  on  the 
left  of  the  plank-road  at  this  time  caused  (he  enemy  to  give  way 
on  his  left,  and  this,  conii)ined  with  the  unHincliing  determina- 
tion of  his  men,  carried  the  day  and  gave  hini  possession  of  the 
works.  Not  being  supported,  he  was  exposed  still  to  a  galling 
fire  from  the  right,  wiih  great  danger  of  being  flanked.  Not- 
4 


26 


withstandiug  repeated  efforts  made  by  hira,  and  hy  myself  in 
person,  none  of  the  troops  in  his  rear  would  move  up  until  the 
old  "Stonewall  Brigade"  arrived  on  the  ground  and  gallantly 
advanced  in  conjunction  with  the  Thirtieth  North  Carolina  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  F.  M.  Parker,  of  Ramseur's  Brigade,  which  had 
been  detached  to  support  a  battery,  and  was  now  on  its  return. 
Occupying  the  works  on  the  right  of  Ramseur,  and  thus  reliev- 
ing him  when  his  ammunition  was  nearly  exhausted,  tiie  Stone- 
wall Brigade  pushed  on  and  carried  Chancel lorsvi lie  heights, 
making  the  third  time  that  they  were  captured." 

In  this  battle  Ramseur,  though  severely  wounded,  decli^ied 
to  leave  the  field,  and  is  especially  mentioned  by  Rodes  as  one 
who  was  ''distinguisfied  for  great  gallantry  and  efficiency  in  this 
action." 

It  will  be  remembered  that  it  was  here  that  that  great  ideal 
soldier  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  who  stood  second 
only  to  Lee,  Stonewall  Jackson,  fell  mortally  wounded,  and  was 
carried  from  the  field.  His  command  then  devolved  on  A.  P. 
Hill,  who  was  wounded,  and  then  upon  General  J.  E.  B. 
Stuart,  whose  plume,  like  that  of  Harry  of  Navarre,  was 
always  seen  conspicuous  in  the  thickest  of  the  affray.  While 
each  of  these  Generals  mentioned  Ramseur  and  his  brigade  in 
the  most  flattering  terms,  I  will  not*  stop  to  quote  from  their 
reports.  I  prefer  to  hasten  on  and  call  your  attention  to  what 
will  be  recognized  by  every  soldier  (»f  that  army  as  one  of  the 
highest  compliments  and  most  distinguished  tributes  that  could 
have  been  paid  to  Ramseur  and  his  command.  I  beg  you  to 
pause  and  reflect  upon  the  force  and  power  of  each  expression. 
It  emanates  from  one  not  given  to  compliments,  but  who,  in  all 
of  his  public  communications,  seemed  to  weigh  and  carefully  con- 
sider each  word  that  he  used.  I  am  confident  that  the  existence 
of  this  letter  was  not  known  either  to  Ramseur  or  to  any  of  his 
command  when  written,  and  came  to  my  notice  for  the  first  time 
only  very  recently. 


27 

(IKNKUAI.    I.KK's    TKIIU'TK. 
It  i>':uls  as  follows: 

"  IlKAlHilAUTEltS    AuMY    OF    NoUTHKUN    ViKcilMA, 

'MuiR'  itii,  i,s(j;j. 
"His  Excellency  Zkiuilon  B.  Vance, 

"  (fovernor  of  North  Carolina,  UalcUjli: 

"Governor: — I  liave  tlio  honor  to  (^11  the  attention  of  your 
Excel U'lU'v  to  the  reduced  condition  of  Brigadier  General  liara- 
seur's  Brigade.  Its  ranks  have  heen  much  tliinned  hy  the  casu- 
alties of  the  battles  iu  which  it  has  been  engaged,  in  all  of  which 
it  has  reudered  conspicuous  service.  I  consider  its  brigade  and 
regimental  commanders  as  among  the  best  of  their  respective 
o-rades  in  the  armv,  and  in  the  battle  of  Ciiancellorsville,  where 
the  brii>-ade  was  much  distinguished  and  suffered  severely,  Gen- 
eral  Ramseur  was  among  those  whose  conduct  was  especially 
commended  to  my  notice  by  Lieutenant  General  Jackson  in  a 
message  sent  to  me  after  he  was  wH)unded.  I  am  very  desirous 
that  the  efficiency  of  this  brigade  should  be  increased  by  filling 
its  ranks,  and  respectfully  ask  that,  if  it  be  in  your  power,  you 
will  send  on  recruits  for  its  various  regiments  as  soon  as  possible. 
If  this  cannot  be  done  I  would  recommend  that  two  additional 
regiments  be  sent  to  it  if  they  can  l>e  had.  I  am  satisfied  that 
the  men  could  be  used  in  no  better  way  to  render  valuable  ser- 
vice to  thecountry^and  win  credit  for  themselves  and  their  State. 
"I  am,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)         "  R.  E.  Lee, 

"  General^ 

Mark  the  language:  "I  consider  its  brigade  and  regimental 
commanders  the  best  of  their  respective  grades  in  the  army." 
What  army?  The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia!  The  best  on 
the  continent  I  Who  sends  a  message  to  Lee  about  Ramseur 
that  is  worthy  to  be  repeated  to  the  Governor  of  the  State? 
Stonewall  Jackson,  from  his  i)ed  of  anguish.  No  higher  eulogy 
could  be  pronounced. 


28 


After  the  battle  of  Cliaucellorsville,  Ramseiir,  with  his  brigade, 
accompanied  the  army  of  Lee  in  its  invasion  of  Pennsylvania. 
In  connection  with  Rodes'  Division,  in  the  first  day's  fight  at 
Gettysburg  they  secured  the  elevated  ridge  known  as  Oak  Hill, 
which  was  the  key-note  of  the  entire  field.  Swinton,  in  his 
"Army  of  the  Potomac,"  says:  "When  towards  three  o'clock  a 
general  advance  was  made  by  the  Confederates,  Rodes  speedily 
broke  through  the  Union  centre,  carrying  away  the  right  of  the 
First  Corps  and  the  left  of  the  Eleventh,  and,  entering  the  inter- 
val between  them,  disrupted  the  whole  line."  The  Federaf  troops 
fell  back  in  much  disorder,  anil  were  pursued  by  our  troops 
through  the  town  of  Gettysburg.  This  was  our  opportunity  to 
have  seized  the  heights,  the  subsequent  assaults  on  which  proved 
so  disastrous  to  us  during  the  progress  of  this  battle.  Ramseur 
urged  that  the  pursuit  should  be  continued  until  Cemetery 
Heights  were  in  our  possession.  The  light  of  subsequent  events 
shows  that  he  was  clearly  in  the  right.  Our  friends  in  Vir- 
ginia are  fond  of  boasting  of  the  advanced  position  of  their  troops 
at  Gettysburg.  It  is  a  thing  to  be  boasted  of.  Her  sons  were  gal- 
lant and  martial,  and  far  be  it  from  me  to  detract  one  tittle  from 
the  fame  to  which  they  are  entitled,  yet  it  is  but  an  act  of  jus- 
tice to  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  only  two  brigades  which 
entered  the  works  of  Cemetery  Heights  on  the  second  day  of 
the  battle  were  Hoke's  North  Carolina  and  Hays'  Louisiana 
brigades.  The  former  was  then  under  the  command  of  that 
gallant  soldier  and  accomplished  gentleman,  Colonel  Isaac  E. 
Avery,  who  lost  his  life  on  this  occasion  while  gallantly  leading 
his  brigade  on  the  heights  on  the  2d  of  July.     In  his  roport  of 

this  battle,  Early  says: 

*  *  *  *  ******* 

"As  soon  as  Johnson  became  warmly  engaged,  which  was  a 
little  before  dusk,  I  ordered  Hays  and  Avery  to  advance  and 
carry  the  works  on  the  heights  in  front.  These  troops  advanced 
iu  gallant  style  to  the  attack,  passing  ovei'  the  ridge  in  front  of 
them  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire,  and  there  crossing  a  hollow 
between  that  and  Cemetery  Hill,  and  moving  up  this  hill  in  the 


29 


tiuv  !)('  at  least  two  liius  of  inCaiitry  posted  Ix'liimI  stone  and 
plaiik  fences,  and  passing  over  all  obstacles,  tlicy  reached  tlie 
crest  of  the  hill  an<l  entered  the  enemy's  i)reast\vorIvs,  crossing 
it,  getting  possession  of  one  or  two  batteries." 

Brigadier  General  Ivorson,  of  Georgia,  had  manifested  >neh 
a  want  of  capacity  in  the  field  at  Gettysburg  he  was  relieved  of 
his  command  and  assigned  to  provost  guard  duty.  Asa  further 
mark  of  Lee's  appreciation  of  Ivamseur  this  brigade  was  assigned 
temporarily  to  his  command,  in  addition  to  the  one  he  already 
commanded. 

In  the  various  skirmishes  and  battles  of  this  campaign  liam- 
seur  displayed  his  usual  efficiency  and  gallantry.  After  return- 
ing from  Pennsylvania  our  troops  went  into  winter  quarters 
near  Orange  Court  House,  and  as  it  was  clear  that  after  the 
exhaustive  campaigns  of  the  year  we  would  enjoy  a  period  of 
comparative  quiet,  Ramseur  obtained  a  leave  of  absence  for  the 
purpose  of  entering  into  the  most  important  relations  of  one's 
life.  He  had  long  been  attached  to  and  was  then  engaged  to 
Miss  Ellen  E.  Richmond,  of  Milton,  but  the  consummation  of 
his  hopes  had  been  often  deferred  by  the  exigencies  of  the  pub- 
lic service.  He  was  t)ow  made  supremely  happy  in  their  mar- 
riage, which  occurred  on  the  22d  of  October,  18(33. 

The  successive  failures  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  in  its  en- 
gagements with  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  created  a  general 
apprehension  throughout  the  North  tiiat  uidess  something  more 
satisfactory  was  accomplished  the  successful  issue  of  the  war  was 
becoming  a  most  doubtful  problem.  This  prompted  the  nomi- 
nation of  General  Grant  to  the  grade  of  Lieutenant  General  and 
he  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  "all  the  armies  of  the  United 
States."  One  of  the  conditions  of  his  acceptance  was  that  he 
should  not  be  ham|)ered  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  by  the 
central  authorities  at  Washington — a  wise  and  judicious  precau- 
tion, which  else  had  resulted  in  his  supersedure  after  his  terril)le 
losses  at  Coal  Harbor,  where,  according  to  Swinton,  he  had  thir- 
teen thousand  of  his  men  killed  and  wounded  within  (he  space 
of  two  hours,  and  this  without  inflicting  but  little  loas  on  his 
adversary. 


30 


On  the  morning  of  May  5tli,  1864,  over  one  hundred  thou- 
sand of  Grant's  troops  had  crossed  the  Rapidan,  and  thence  fol- 
lowed that  series  of  battles  on  the  overland  route  to  Richmond, 
wherein  the  killed,  wounded  and  disabled  on  the  part  of  Grant's 
army  were  as  great  as  the  whole  ai-my  of  Lee  when  these 
engagements  commenced.  During  this  march  Ramseur's  men 
were  frequently  engaged  in  successful  skirmishes  and  battles 
with  the  enemy,  but  the  great  battle  in  which  he  shone  con- 
spicuously was  on  the  12th  of  May,  at 

SPOTTSYLVANIA    COURT    HOUSE. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  11th  there  was  severe  fighting  on  our 
right,  when  Ramseur's  men  mounted  over  our  works  and 
drove  the  enemy  from  our  front  in  a  hand-to-hand  engage- 
ment. It  was  expected  by  Lee  that  during  the  night  Grant 
would  withdraw  his  troops  for  the  purpose  of  continuing  his 
advance  on  Richmond.  In  order  to  be  in  readiness  to  confront 
him  when  he  should  make  this  change,  Lee  had  directed  that 
the  guns  in  front  of  Ed.  Johnson's  Division,  in  a  point  in  our 
lines  known  as  the  "salient,"  should  be  withdrawn  during  the 
night  to  facilitate  our  movements  in  the  morning.  This  fact 
became  known  to  Grant  through  a  deserter  from  our  lines. 
Hancock's  Corps  was  in  front  of  this  point,  and  he  was  directed 
to  approach  under  the  cover  of  night  and  a  dense  fog  and  assault 
the  line  at  early  dawn.  The  attack  resulted  most  successfully, 
for  our  works  were  captured,  together  with  a  large  number  of 
prisoners.  To  restore  in  part  this  line  became  Ramseur's  duty. 
In  his  report  of  the  action  he  speaks  substantially  as  follows: 
That  in  anti(;ipation  of  an  attack  on  his  front  on  the  morning  of 
the  12th  he  had  his  brigade  under  arms  at  early  dawn,  Veiy 
soon  he  heard  a  terrible  assault  on  his  right.  He  therefore 
moved  Cox's  Regiment,  which  was  in  reserve,  to  a  position  per- 
pendicular to  his  line  of  battle.  At  this  time  the  enemy  was 
massing  his  troops  for  a  further  advance.  For  the  purpose  of 
driving  him  back  he  formed  his  brigade  in  a  line  {)arallel  to  the 
two  lines    held    by    the    enemy.     The   men   in    charging    were 


31 

(iirocted  to  koop  tlioir  allitiiitiu'iit  and  not  pause  until  hoih  lines 
of  works  were  oiii*s.  Iltiw  gallantly  and  successfullv  these 
orders  were  exeeuted  were  witnessed  l)y  (ienerals  Ixodes  and 
Ewell.  The  two  lines  of  Federal  troops  were  driven  ix-ll-inell 
out  and  over  both  lines  of  our  orijrinal  works  with  <rrcat  loss. 
The  enemy  held  the  breastworks  on  our  ritrlit,  enfiladin^r  the 
line  with  destructive  tire,  at  the  same  time  heavily  assaulting  our 
right  front.  In  this  extremity,  Colonel  liennett  of  the  Four- 
teenth offered  to  take  his  regi^raent  from  left  to  right,  under  a 
severe  tire,  and  drive  hack  the  growing  masses  of  the  enemy  ou 
our  right.  This  hazardous  offer  was  accepted  as  a  forlorn  hope, 
and  was  most  successfully  executed.  To  Colonel  JJeunett  and  his 
men,  says  General  Ramseur,  and  his  gallant  officers,  all  honor  is 
due.  I  distiuctly  recall  the  circumstances  under  which  the 
charge  was  made,  aud  for  cool  audacity  and  uuflinching  courage 
I  never  saw  it  surpassed.  At  the  time  the  movement  was  com- 
menced Colonel  Parker's  Regiment  and  the  Federals  were  engaged 
in  a  hand-to-hand  encounter  in  and  over  the  works,  while  mv 
regiment  was  pouring  a  most  destructive  fire  into  the  Fedeials  in 
our  front.  "We  entered  these  works  at  4  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  12th  and  remained  in  the  works  fighting  and  contending 
for  over  twenty  hours.  When  relieved,  hungry  and  exhausted, 
we  vlropped  upon  the  wet  ground   and   slept   most   profoundly. 

A  correspondent  of  the  London  Morning  Herald,  who  had 
familiar  access  to  Lee's  headquarters,  in  a  descrii)tion  of  the  hat- 
tie  of  the  Wilderness,  gives  this  vivid  account  of  the  action  of 
Ramseur's  Jirigade  on  the  morning  of  the  Tith  : 

''The  Federalists  continued  to  hold  their  ground  in  the  sa- 
lient, and  along  the  line  of  works,  to  the  left  of  that  angle, 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  position  of  Monoghan's  (Hays') 
Louisianians.  Ramseur's  North  Carolinians  of  Rodes'  Division 
formed,  covering  Monoghan's  right;  and  being  ordered  to 
charge,  were  received  by  the  enemy  with  a  stubborn  resistance. 
The  desperate  character  of  the  struggle  along  that  brigade-front 
was  told  terribly  in  the  hoarseness  and  rapidity  of  its  musketry. 
So  close  was  the  fighting  there,  for  a  time,  that  the  fire  of  friend 


32 


aud  foe  rose  up  rattliug  in  oue  common  roar.  Ramscur's  North 
Carolinians  dropped  in  the  ranks  thick  and  fast,  but  still  he 
continued,  with  glorious  constancy,  to  gain  ground,  foot  by  foot. 
Pressing  under  a  fierce  fire,  resolutely  on,  on,  on,  the  struggle 
was  about  to  become  one  of  hand  to  hand,  when  the  Federalists 
shrank  from  the  bloody  trial.  Driven  back,  they  were  not  de- 
feated. The  earthworks  being  at  the  moment  in  their  immedi- 
ate rear,  they  bounded  on  the  ojjposite  side;  aud  having  thus 
placed  them  in  their  front,  they  renewed  the  conflict.  A  rush 
of  an  instant  brought  Ramseur's  men  to  the  side  of  the  de- 
fenses; aud  though  they  crouched  close  to  the  slopes,  under  en- 
filade from  the  guns  of  the  salient,  their  musketry  rattled  in 
deep  and  deadly  fire  on  the  enemy  that  stood  in  overwhelming 
numbers  but  a  few  yards  from  their  front.  Those  brave  North 
Carolinians  had  thus,  in  one  of  the  hottest  conflicts  of  the  day, 
succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  from  the  works  that  had  been 
occupied  during  the  previous  night  by  a  brigade  which,  until 
the  12th  of  May,  had  uever  yet  yielded  to  a  foe — the  Stone- 
wall." 

In  an  address  before  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  Colonel 
Venable,  of  Lee's  staff",  says:  "The  restoration  of  the  battle  on 
the  12th,  thus  rendering  utterly  futile  the  success  achieved  by 
Hancock's  Corps  at  daybreak,  was  a  wonderful  feat  of  arms,  in 
which  all  the  troops  engaged  deserve  the  greatest  credit  for 
endurance,  constancy  and  unflinching  courage.  But  without 
unjust  discrimination,  we  may  say  that  Gordon,  Rodes  and 
Ramseur  were  the  heroes  of  this  bloody  day.  *  *  *  *  Rodes 
aud  Ramseur  were  destined,  alas!  in  a  few  short  months,  to  lay 
down  their  noble  lives  in  the  A^alley  of  Virginia.  There  was 
no  victor's  chaplet  more  highly  prized  by  the  Roman  soldier 
than  that  woven  of  the  grass  of  early  spring.  Then  let  the 
earliest  flowers  of  May  be  always  intertwined  in  the  garlands 
which  the  pious  hands  of  our  fair  women  shall  lay  on  the  tombs 
of  Rodes  and  Ramseur,  and  of  the  gallant  dead  of  the  battle  of 
twenty  hours  at  Spottsylvania." 


33 


(n-m-ral  Lt»iii:,  in  liis  "  Lite  ot"  Lee,"  jmts  tli<'  n;\inc  of  Kiunsciir 
in  till'  van  ot*  tln>sc  who  rn^licd  into  this  :inn;Io  of"  death  and 
hnrh'd  hack  the  Federals'  most  savai;e  sallies.  I)nrin<:;  the  lonj; 
and  tierc-e  stiii<;<;le  I  saw  soldiers  plaee  the  arms  of  their  com- 
rades who  had  just  I'allen  in  such  a  position  as  when  they  had 
l)ee4)me  stiH'enod  they  w<)nKl  hold  the  eartridj^es  we  were  using. 
Yes,  Hghting  and  cxhansted,  amidst  blood  and  mnd  and  brains, 
they  would  sit  on  the  bodies  of  their  fallen  comrades  for  rest, 
ixnd  dared  not  show  even  a  linger  above  the  breastworks,  fur  so 
terrible  was  the  lire  at  this  angle  that  a  tree  eighteen  inehes  in 
<liameter  was  ent  asunder  by  niinnie  balls.  After  the  battle  was 
over  Generals  Lee  and  Ewell  thanked  Raniseiir  in  jjerson,  an<l 
directed  him  to  carry  to  his  officers  and  men  their  high  appreci- 
ation of  their  conspicuous  services  and  heroic  daring.  At  this 
time  such  portions  of  the  First  and  Third  Regiments  as  were 
not  captured  in  the  salient  were  placed  in  the  brigade,  and  it  i- 
sufficient  praise  to  bear  witness  that  from  that  time  on  to  the 
surrender  at  Apj)omattox  their  officers  and  men  always  showed 
themselves  worthy  of  the  highest  confidence  reposed  in  them. 
In  appreciation  of  the  conspicuous  services  rendered  by  Ram- 
seur  on  this  occasion,  he  was  made  a  Major  General  and  assigned 
to  the  command  of  Early's  Division,  and  I  had  the  distinguished 
honor  of  being  assigned  to  Ramseur's  (now  to  become  Cox's) 
historic  brigade. 

THK    VALLEY    OF    VIlUilNIA, 

both  physically  and  strategically,  is  one  of  the  most  attractive 
regions  of  that  State.  It  is  not  less  distinguished  for  the  bril- 
liant aehievements  of  Stonewall  Jackson  than  for  the  ardent 
patriotism  of  its  men  and  the  devotion  and  sacrifices  of  its 
women  to  the  cause  of  the  South.  It  was  here  that  Jackson, 
with  only  a  little  army  of  thirteen  thousand  men,  defeated  and 
drove  from  the  valley  Milioy,  Fremont,  Banks  and  Shields, 
whose  combined  forces  were  five  times  as  great  as  his  own, 
besides  capturing  vast  quantities  of  much  needed  commissary 
and   ordnance  stores   and    large   numbers   of  prisoners.     After 

5 


34 


the  battle  of  Coal  Harbor  the  Second  Corps,  composed  of  Rara- 
seur's,  Rodes'  and  Gordon's  Divisions,  were  placed  under  the 
command  of  Early,  and  directed  to  proceed  to  this  valley, 
with  instructions  to  capture  or  destroy  the  array  of  Hunter, 
a  recreant  Virginian,  who  was  marching  in  the  direction  of 
Lynchburg,  destroying  the  country  as  he  moved  along.  Attached 
to  this  corps  was  Nelson's  and  Braxton's  battalions  of  artillery, 
together  with  a  division  of  cavalry.  At  this  time  Breckinridge, 
who,  in  a  brilliant  engagement,  had  recently  defeated  Sigel, 
was  at  Lynchburg  awaiting  our  arrival.  Our  troops  were  trans- 
ported by  rail.  Ramseur's  and  the  greater  part  of  Gordon's 
Divisions  were  sent  forward  as  soon  as  they  were  ready.  They 
arrived  at  Lynchburg  at  about  4  o'clock  p.  m.,  on  the  17th 
of  June.  Here  they  united  with  Breckinridge  and  the  troops 
of  Major  General  Ransom,  who  was  in  command  of  the  whole 
cavalry  in  the  valley.  Hunter  was  in  camp  near  the  city  of 
Lynchburg.  In  a  letter  to  me,  General  Ransom  says  that  at 
this  time  "he  (Ramseur)  and  I  reconnoitered  the  left  flank  of 
Hunter's  army  and  found  it  could  be  most  advantageously 
assailed,  and  in  person  reported  the  fact  to  General  Early,  who 
said  he  would  not  attack  until  the  whole  of  Rodes'  Division  had 
arrived  from  Richmond.  The  opportunity  to  destroy  Hunter's 
army  was  then  lost."  Hunter  took  counsel  of  his  fears  and 
advantage  of  the  cover  of  night  and  darkness  to  make  a  hasty 
retreat.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  we  commenced  a 
pursuit,  and  just  before  night  overtook  the  enemy's  rear  at  Ijib-  , 
erty,  when  Ramseur's  Division  moved  on  it  and  drove  it  through 
the  place.  It  was  now  ascertained  that  Hunter  had  not  taken 
the  route  that  we  anticipated,  but  had  retreated  by  way  of  Beau- 
ford's  Gap,  where,  the  next  day,  he  was  found  occupying  a  com- 
manding position  on  the  crest  of  the  mountian.  After  our 
arrival  we  spent  the  afternoon  in  efforts  to  secure  a  position  from 
which  to  successfully  assail  him  the  following  day.  Hunter,  by 
our  failure  to  promptly  pursue  at  daylight,  made  his  escape,  and 
being  in  the  mountains  further  pursuit  was  useless.  Early,  in 
his  report,  says:  "By  mistake  of  the  messenger  who  was  sent 


35 

with   uiilors  t(t  ( JnuTal    Rodes  to   li'ad   the  next  iiiiiniiiii;,  tlicrc 

was  simie  ilclay  in   iiis  luovemi'iit  (Ui   the  2].st,  hut   the  piiiMiit 

was  ivsuiiu'd   very  shortly  after  sunrise."      Alter  icstiii;:;  a  dav 

we  resumed  the  riian-h  and  rearheil  JJiiehaiiaii  that   nij^ht.     Oiii- 

lU'xt   important    movr   was  to  eross  the  Potomac  into  Marvhind. 

We  reached   Frederick,  Md.,  about  the  !)th  of"  the  month,  when 

Rumsenr,  after  a  slii^ht  resistance,  moved  through  the  town  and 

brushed  away  the  Feiierals  before  him.     Our  invasion   had  so 

alarnicii  the  Federal  capital  that  General  Wallace  was  directed  to 

move  at  once  with  .such  forces  as  he  had  and  could  collect  and 

interpose   them   between   us  and   Washington.      When    Wallace 

reached  onr  front   he  drew   his  troops  up  on   the  ea-tcrn  baid'C 

of  the 

MO.NOCACY. 

Kauiseur  deplnyed  in  his  front,  drove  his  skirmishers  acro>> 
the  river  and  a  brief  and  brisk  artillery  duel  followed.  In  the 
meantime  MeCausland,  with  his  cavalry,  crossed  the  river, 
attacked  the  Federal  left  Hank  and  threw  it  into  confusion, 
which  Early  discovering,  threw  forward  Gordon's  Division, 
commanded  by  Breckinridge.  Gordon  moved  to  the  assistance 
of  MeCausland,  while  Ramseur  crossed  over  the  railroad  bridge 
and  fell  upon  Wallace,  who  retreated  with  great  precipitation^ 
leaving  in  our  hands  six  or  seven  hundred  prisoners  besides 
his  killed  and  wounded.  Our  lo'^s  in  killed  and  wounded 
was  severe,  but  as  this  was  a  sharp  and  brilliant  engagement, 
well  |)lanned  and  spiritedly  executed,  it  infused  new  life  into 
our  troops.  On  the  lOth  we  moved  to  Koekville.  As  the  weather 
was  h(jt  and  the  roads  dusty,  onr  troops  were  easily  fatigued  and 
made  but  slow  progress.  The  next  day  we  resumed  the  march, 
and  in  the  afternoon  reached  Seventh  street  pike,  which  leads  into 
Washington.  In  a  history  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  Swiu- 
ton,  in  sj)caking  of  this  moveujent,  says:  "By  afternoon  the 
Confederate  infantry  had  come  up  and  showed  a  strong  line  in 
front  of  Fort  Stevens.  Early  had  there  an  opportunity  to  dash 
into  the  citv,  the  works  being  very  slightly  defended.  The  hope  at 
headquarters  that  the  capital  could  be  saved  from  capture  was  very 


36 


slender."  The  truth  is,  the  Sixth  and  Ninth  Corps  of  Grant's 
army  were  then  en  route  to  save  the  capital,  and  for  us  to  have 
entered  it  at  this  time  might,  in  the  end,  have  proved  a  costly 
experiment.  Probably  more  expedition  might  have  been  exer- 
cised by  us  in  our  march.  After  reconnoitering  and  skirmishing 
a  couple  of  days,  we  turned  our  backs  on  the  capital,  beat  a  hasty 
retreat  to  the  Potomac,  followed  by  the  enemy's  cavalry. 

The  next  engagement  of  any  importance  in  which  Ramseur 
was  concerned  was  at  Winchester,  where  Jie  was  left  with  his 
command  and  a  battery  of  artillery  to  protect  the  place  from  a 
threatened  attack  from  Averill.  While  here  he  was  informed 
by  General  Vaughan,  in  command  of  the  cavalry,  that  Averill, 
-svith  a  small  force,  was  at  Stephenson's  Depot,  and  could  be  sur- 
prised and  easily  captured.  Placing  too  much  confidence  in  these 
representations,  Ramseur  advanced  against  him  without  the 
proper  precaution  of  throwing  forward  a  strong  skirmish  line, 
and  he  encountered  Averill  with  a  large  force  of  infantry  and 
cavalry,  and  met  with  a  pretty  severe  repulse.  In  a  letter  to  me. 
General  W.  G.  Lewis,  who  was  wounded  in  this  engagement,  says 
that  Ramseur  was  not  altogether  responsible  for  the  mistake  that 
occurred,  for  he  had  every  reason  to  suppose  that  the  informa- 
tion furnished  iiy  Vaughan  was  correct.  This  matter,  while  not 
of  much  importance,  is  referred  to  simply  because  it  is  the  only 
instance  in  which  he  met  with  a  reverse.  The  blame  properly 
rests  upon  General  Vaughan,  who  should  have  been  more 
careful  in  his  statements. 

On  the  9th  of  September  information  reached  us  that  a  large 
force  had  been  concentrated  at  Harper's  Ferry,  which  consisted 
of  the  Sixth,  Nineteenth  and  Crook's  Corps,  and  was  under  a 
new  commander,  who  i)roved  to  be  Sheridan.  From  this  time 
on  constant  maneuvering  and  skirmishing  occurred  between  the 
two  armies,  in  which  Ramseur  was  more  or  less  prominently 
engaged.  Sheridan  proved  to  be  a  wary,  cautious  and  prudent 
commander.  In  all  of  these  movements  it  appeared  that  his 
purpose  was  rather  to  ascertain  the  strength  and  character  of  his 
adversary  than  to  engage  him  in  battle.     Early  was  disappointed 


37 


and  (Hstjiisted  l)y  his  wary  iiu'tliods,  and  savs  in  his  "  La^(  "S'car 
of  the  \\'ar"  that  "tht"  i-vcnts  (if  (he  last  immth  had  satisfied 
me  that  the  coinniandfr  opposing  nie  was  without  entL'r|)rise  and 
possessed  an  excessive  caution  which  amounted  to  timidity.  If 
it  was  his  policy  to  pfoduce  the  impression  that  his  force  was  too 
weak  to  fiyht  me,  he  did  not  succeed  ;  hut  if  it  was  to  convince 
me  that  he  was  not  an  able  and  enori>;('tic  commander,  his  strategy 
was  a  complete  success,  and  subscfpient  events  have  not  ciianged 
my  opinion."  Sheridan  had  recently  been  transferred  from  the 
Army  of  the  West,  where  Lee's  methods  and  "Stonewall  Jack- 
son's way"  were  known  as  towers  of  strength.  For  the  first 
time  Sheridan  was  given  an  independent  command,  had  a  whole- 
some dread  of  our  veterans,  and  also  fidly  realized  the  fact  that 
upon  the  result  of  his  first  encounter  with  his  adversary  there 
was  involved  an  important  political  as  well  as  military  element. 

Grant's  campaign  from  the  Wilderness  to  Coal  Harbor  had 
been  disappointing  to  the  North,  where  there  was  a  feeling  that 
so  far  the  war  had  been  a  failure,  which,  in  commenting  on,  in  his 
"Army  of  the  Potomac,"  Swinton  says,  that  when  the  records 
of  the  War  Department  shall  be  carefully  examined  thev  will 
develop  discoveries  of  the  most  startling  nature.  In  speak- 
ing of  public  sentiment  just  prior  to  the  battle  of  Winchester, 
Grant  says  in  his  "Memoirs": 

"I  had  reason  to  believe  that  the  administration  was  a  little 
afraid  to  have  a  decisive  battle  fought  at  that  time,  for  fear  it 
might  go  against  us  and  have  a  bad  effect  on  the  November 
elections.  The  convention  which  had  met  and  made  its  nomi- 
nation of  the  Democratic  candidate  for  the  prcsidcncv  had 
declared  the  war  a  failure. 

"Treason  was  talked  as  boldly  in  Chicago  as  ever  it  had  been 
at  Charleston. 

"It  was  a  question  of  whether  the  government  would  tiien 
have  had  the  power  to  make  arrests  and  punish  those  who  thus 
talked  treason. 

"  But  this  decisive  victory  was  the  most  cffectivo  campaign 
argument  made  in  the  canvass." 


38 


In  addition  to  what  Grant  says,  there  was  another  motive 
which  made  Sheridan  timid  in  encountering- our  forces,  and  pos- 
sibly Grant's  presence  was  necessary  to  get  him  u])  to  the  hght- 
iug  point. 

In  his  "Memoirs,"  Sheridan  says: 

"  I  had  opposing  me  an  army  largely  composed  of  troops  that 
had  operated  in  this  region  hitherto  under  "Stonewall"  Jack- 
son with  marked  success,  inflicting  defeat  on  the  Union  forces 
almost  every  time  the  two  armies  had  come  in  contact. 

"  Tiiese  men  were  now  commanded  by  a  veteran  officer  of  the 
Confederacy,  General  Jubal  A.  Early,  whose  past  services  liad 
so  signalized  his  ability  that  General  Lee  specially  selected  him 
to  take  charge  of  the  Valley  District,  and  notwithstanding  the 
misfortunes  that  befell  him  later,  clung  to  him  to  the  end  of  the 
war.  The  Confederate  army  at  this  date  was  about  twenty 
thousand  strong,  and  consisted  of  Early's  own  Corj)s,  with  Gen- 
erals Rodes,  Ramseur  and  Gordon  commanding  its  divisions; 
the  infantry  of  Breckinridge,  of  Southwestern  A^irginia;  three 
battalions  of  artillery,  and  the  cavalry  brigades  of  Vaughan, 
Johnson,  McCausland  and  Imboden." 

Early  had  marched  and  countermarched  so  often  in  the  pres- 
ence of  and  around  Sheridan's  army  without  bringing  him  to  a 
test  of  strength,  he  began  to  think  him  no  better  than  Hunter, 
and  entertained  more  contempt  for  than  fear  of  him.  He  separated 
his  divisions  at  will,  and  scattered  them  from  Winchester  to 
Martinsburg — twenty-two  miles — with  no  greater  motive  than 
that  of  interrupting  railroad  traffic,  producing  a  little  diversion 
in  Washington,  and  securing  a  few  commissaries  in  Martins- 
burg.    His  last  movement  in  this  direction  was  on  the  eve  of  the 

BATTLE    OF    AVINCHESTEll. 

Of  this  movement  he  says  that,  "having  been  informed  that 
a  force  was  at  work  on  tlie  railroad  near  Martinsl)urg,  I 
moved  on  the  afternoon  of  the  17th  of  September  with  Rodes' 
and  Gordon's  Divisions  and  Braxton's  artillery  to  Bunker 
Hill;  and  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,   with   Gordon's  Divis- 


39 

i.)ii  :ui(l  :i  inirt  of  \\w  aitilKM-y,  1.)  Martiiishnrj;,  j,iv<r<lc.l  l,y 
a  part,  of  J.uinax's  cavalry."  It  will  thus  Ih-  seen  tliMt  in 
the  presenee  of  a  larirely  superior  force,  and  a  new  an.l  untried 
eommander,  Early  had  his  troops  stretched  (.ut  and  sepa- 
rated like  a  string  of  glass  l)eads  with  a  kn-.t  between  each  one, 
In  a  previous  move  of  a  similar  nature  on  Martinsburg,  at 
liunker  Hill,  I  had  been  reliably  infbrmed  that  the  next  time 
Early  should  make  the  mistake  of  separating  his  command 
Sheridan  intendeil  to  attack  and  endeavor  to  crush  his  troops  in 
<letail.  This  iaet  1  commiuiicated  to  General  Rodes,  who  rei)lie(l : 
"I  know  it.  I  have  told  Early  as  much";  and  with  much 
irritation  of  manner,  said:  ''I  can't  get  him  to  believe  it." 

On    the    morning   of  the   19th    the   booming  of  cannon    was 
heard  in  the  direction  of  Winchester.     As  skirmishing  at  this 
time  was  frequent,  we  could  not  positively  decide  as  to  what  it 
portended.     Rodes   was   now  at  Stephenson's   Depot,  Breckin- 
ridge and  Gordon  at  Buuker  Hill,  and  Ramseur  at  Winchester. 
Rodes  received  orders  to  "move  out,"  but  was  not  directed  where 
to  go.      We  moved  out,  took  position  behind  a   rock   wall  north 
of  the  road   intersecting   the   Winchester   road,  where   we  anx- 
iously awaited  further  orders  for  the  space  of  two  hours.     All 
this  time  Ramseur,  with  his  seventeen  hundred  men,  was  actively 
engaged  with    Sheridan's  advance   corps.     Had    we  have  been 
properly  directed,  we  coidd  have  moved    forward  and  crushed 
this  corps  before  the  remainder  of  Sheridan's  troops  arrived,  and 
seciire<l  a  complete  victory.      In  speaking  of  the  time  when  the 
firing  commenced,  P:arly,  who  was  with  Gordon,  says:  "  I  imme- 
diately ordered  all  the  troops  that  were  at  Stephenson's  Depot  to 
be   in    readiness  to   move,   directions   being  given    by  Gordon, 
who  had  arrived  from  Runker   Hill,  to   move  at  once,  but   by 
some  mistake  on  the  part  of  my   stall'  officer,  the  latter  order 
was  not  delivered  to  either  Generals  Breckinridge  or  Gordon." 

Ramseur  was  compelled  to  bear  the  whole  brunt  of  the  attack 
of  Sheridan's  army  initil  we  came  to  his  support,  about  10  a.  m. 
While  Rodes  was  moving  in  column  up  the  Martinsburg  road, 
near  Winchester,  we  were  unexpectedly  called  to  attention,  faced 


40 


to  the  left,  and  moved  forward  to  engage  the  enemy,  who  had 
advanced  to  within  one  hundred  yards  of  the  road.  Grimes' 
Brigade  was  on  the  right,  mine  in  the  centre,  and  Cook's  on  the 
left,  for  Battle's  was  still  behind.  After  a  brief  and  vigorous 
assault  the  Fedrals  commenced  falling  back. 

Grimes  drove  him  through  the  woods  anil  formed  on  the  left 
of  Ramseur,  while  I  was  driving  the  Federals  before  me  in  an 
open  field,  supported  by  Cook  on   my  left.     The  latter  brigade 
was  brought  to  a  temporary  halt.     Rodes  was   now  in   my  rear, 
and  dispatched  his  only  remaining  staff  officer  to  push  forward 
this  brigade.     At  this   moment  Lieutenant  J.  S.  Battle  of  m}^ 
staff  came  up,  informed  me  that  Colonel  Bennett  of  the  Four- 
teenth Regiment  had  just  had  his  horse  shot  under  him,  and  he 
had  given  him  his.     It  was  now  that  General  Rodes   was  shot 
in  the  head  by  a  ball,  and  caught  by  Jjieutenaut  Battle  as  he  fell 
from   his  horse.     The  fall   of  Rodes  was  not  observed  by  the 
troops,   who  pushed   on,  and  struck   a   weak    line  between    the 
Sixth  and  Nineteenth  Corps.      At  this  point  the  Federals  were 
severely  punished,  and  fell  back,  leaving  their  killed  and  wounded. 
A  large  number  of  officers  and  men  were  secreted  in  a  ditch,  whom 
we  captured.     We  pursued  the  enemy,  with  a  hot  fire,  beyond  the 
crest  of  the  hill  on  which  Grimes  had  established  his  line.     Here 
Evans'  Brigade,  upon   meeting  a   heavy  fire,  fell    back,   which 
exposed  my  brigade  to  a  concentrated,  direct  and  left  oblique  fire. 
Seeing  that  I  could  not  maintain  this  advanced  position,  my  Aide, 
Major  Gales,  was  sent  to  General  Early  with  a  request  to  have 
a  battery  placed  on  a  hill  in  my  rear.     This  was  promptly  done, 
when   my  men  fell  back  and  were  formed  behind  the  battery, 
which  opening  with  telling  effect  upon  their  heavy  lines,  they  laid 
down,  and  the  victory  appeared  to  be  ours.     In  this  brief  engage- 
ment Colonel  Bannett   had  two  horses  shot  from  under  him  and 
was  captured.     Colonel  Cobb  of  the  Second    lost  a   foot,    and 
Colonel  Thurston  of  the   Third  was  severely  wounded.     While 
my  loss  in  officers  and  men  had  been  severe,  my  troops  were  in 
fine  spirits.     Here  we  lay  until  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when 
Major  G.  Peyton  of  the  division  staff"  directed  me  to  fall  back,  for 


41 

tlu'  iiilhiitrv   li:ul    ntirctl    I'idm    my   left,  :ui<l    Fitz    Lee's  eaviilry 
was  luitlv   eii^au'etl   with    that    of  the    l'\<lei<iU.      I   i-e|ilie(l    that 
there  was  no  oeeasion   for   iiiy   iallinj;-   hack,  as    I    eoiiKl    re|iiilse 
anv  assault  the  Federals  ini}2;lit  attempt;  and  upon  their  emleav- 
oriiii'-   to   advance,   1    opened    fire  \\\h>i\   tjiem   an<l   the\-   lapidly 
sought  shelter.     Discovering  (after  Major'  Peyton   retired)  that 
the  Federals  were  in  my   rear,  I  lell  hack   in  good  order  to  the 
Martinsbiirg  pike  and  formed   on  the  left  of  oiu- trctops.      Here 
we  were  exposed,  withont  any  protection,  to  a  heavy  artillery  fire, 
which  was  inflicting  unnecessary  punishment  upon    my  men.      I 
turned  to  General  Brcckinri<lge,  who  was  near,  and  pointed  to  a 
line  of  hills   and  suggested  that  that  was  the  place  to    make   our 
staud,  to  which  he  agree<l.     Thereupon   I   faced   my   men  about 
and  comiueuced  retiring  deliberately  to  the  hills,  all  the  troops 
conforming  to  this  movement.     General  Early,  through  a  staff 
officer,  directed  me  to  return  ;   I  thcreuiion  faced    my  men  aljont 
and    move<i   them    to   the  Iront.      Upon   reaching   the   turnpike 
a  second  officer  came  from  General  F^arly  and  directed  nie  to  fall 
back.      Facing    my    men    about,    I    again    commenced    slowly 
retiring.       While    thus    marching   and    countermarching    in    a 
murderous  fire,  a  cannon-ball  struck  in  the  color-guard,  just  iu 
the  rear  of  my   horse's  tail,  cut  one  man   asunder,  tore   off  the 
skidl  of  another,  which  was  thrown  iu  front,  and  spattered  blood 
and    brains  on   all   who   wer(>    near.     My  veterans,   instead   of 
being  stampeded,  only   pressed   a  little  more  impulsively  upon 
my  horse's  tail. 

War  hath  its  horrors,  which  the  selfishness  and  ambition  of 
men  bring  upon  them,  and  they  must  endure  them  ;  but  the  suffer- 
ing and  distress  of  females  no  true  man  can  complacently  witness. 
Such  scenes  of  distress  and  heart-rending  agony  as  were  mani- 
fested by  the  true  women  of  Winchester  as  their  town  was  uncov- 
ered and  they  were  thus  ex|)osed  to  the  foe,  while  they  cannot 
be  described,  brought  tears  to  the  eyes  of  stoutest  men. 

Our  troops  now  retreated  towards  Fisher's  Hill.     My  brigade 
secured   the    elevation    which    I    had    selected,  and  stood  as    a 
menace  to  pursuit  until  our  army  had  measurably  retinxl.    Then 
6 


42 


proceeding  to  tlie  turnpike,  I  was  retreating  in  column,  when  Dr. 
Hunter  McGuire,  who  was  with  Early,  api)roached  and  said  Gen- 
eral Early  was  feeling  badly;  that  we  had  lost  but  one  caisson,  and 
he  wished  I  would  take  ray  trodps  and  protect  from  capture  the 
artillery  then  passing.  I  informed  him  that  I  was  so  far  from 
division  headquarters.(for  our  army  was  not  then  in  sight)  that  I 
did  not  desire  to  have  my  brigade  exposed  to  capture  unless  he 
would  bring  me  an  order  from  General  Early,  who  was  then  rid- 
inp-  slowly  along  the  pike.  He  returned  to  the  General  and  came 
back  and  said  the  General  said  he  wished  I  would  do  it.  I  then 
dispatched  Assistant  Adjutant  General  Gales  to  General  Battle, 
who,  after  the  fall  of  Rodes,  was  in  command  of  the  division, 
with  information  as  to  where  I  was  and  what  I  was  doing.  I 
then  turned  to  my  command,  which  had  been  joined  by  other 
troops  who  had  lost  their  commands,  and  directed  them  to  deploy 
and  advance  between  the  enemy's  cavalry  and  our  artillery,  which 
was  done  with  great  spirit  and  promptness  in  the  presence  of  the 
General,  but  without  a  word  of  indorsement  from  him.  In 
this  manner  we  moved  on,  protecting  the  artillery  until  near 
dusk,  when  we  found  Raraseur  with  his  division  thrown  across 
the  turnpike  to  prevent  pursuit.  About  the  time  the  artillery 
and  my  brigade  crossed  his  line  the  enemy  made  a  spirited 
charge  to  capture  the  guns.  Ramseur's  men  rose  and  met  it 
with  a  well-directed  fire,  which  stopped  further  pursuit.  I 
moved  on  and  soon  joined  our  troops.  So  that  Ramseur,  upon 
whom  the  enemy  had  opened  their  battle  in  the  morning,  gave 
them  the  last  repulse  at  night. 

Of  this  battle.  Early  writing,  says:  "A  skillful  and  energetic 
commander  of  the  enemy's  forces  would  have  crushed  Ramseur 
before  any  assistance  could  have  reached  him,  and  thus  caused 
the  destruction  of  my  whole  force;  and  later  in  the  day,  when 
the  battle  had  turned  against  us,  with  the  immense  superiority 
of  cavalry  which  Sheridan  had  and  the  advantage  of  the  open 
country,  would  have  destroyed  my  whole  force  and  captured 
everything  I  had.  *  *  *  *  *  *  J  have  thought,  instead 
of  being  promoted,  Sheridan  ought  to  have  been  cashiered  for 


43 


this  i);it(l('."  Ill  Ills  "Memoirs,"  (ji'untsays:  "Sliciidim  iiiovcil  at 
the  tiini'  lixi'd  iij)t)ii.  lie  mot  Early  at  tho  crossing  oi'thc  Opc- 
<liiaii  Creek  and  won  a  most  decisive  victory — one  whicli  elec- 
trified the  country,  l^aily  had  invili'd  tliis  attack  him>ell'  liy 
his  had  ^eMeral>hi|),  and  made  the  vietory  easy."  Considering; 
the.grt'at  disparity  ot"  nnmhcrs,  this  hattle  of  Winchester  was, 
after  all,  no  i^reat  victory  on  the  part  ol"  Sheridan,  and  (irant 
intimalts  as  mnch,  i'or  his  troops  out numhi  red  those  of  Early 
more  than  three  to  one.  His  cavalry  was  in  line  condition,  while 
«.)nrs  was  worn  down  hy  excessive  duties  and  seant  forage.  It 
was  won  at  a  critical  moment  to  the  Federal  government,  and 
it  l)ecame  to  its  interest  to  inaguifN-  it  in  every  way  j)ractical)le. 

After  out  defeat  at  Wiuehester  we  fell  back  and  formed  a  line 
of  battle  behind  Fisher's  Hill.  In  our  encounter  with  Sheri- 
dan's armv,  notuitlistandin;^'  our  defeat,  his  loss  had  been  severe 
ami  his  pursuit  was  languid.  It  was  the  *20th  before  he  reached 
our  frout,  and  several  days  were  passed  in  maneuvering  and 
skirmishing.  Ramseur's  Division  occ-upied  the  left  of  our  line 
of  battle  and  the  prolongation  of  our  line  was  defended  by  cav- 
alry. On  the  22d,  Sheridan  threw  forward  Crook's  Corps, 
pushed  back  our  cavalry  anil  took  possession  of  our  line.  Ram- 
seur  hearing  the  firing  to  his  left,  withdrew  my  brigade  from  the 
liue  and  ordered  me  to  move  in  the  direction  of  the  fii'ing,  for  after 
the  fall  of  Rodes,  Ramseur,  to  our  great  gratification,  was  pUu'ed 
in  charge  of  his  division.  On  moving  to  the  left  I  had  a  brisk 
skirmish  with  a  part  of  Crook's  men,  but  did  uot  encounter  the 
main  force.  From  the  firing  in  the  direction  of  our  line  it  was 
soon  apparent  that  our  army  was  falling  back.  I  now  met  Gen- 
eral L<»max  with  a  part  of  his  men,  and  he  kindly  conducted  me 
by  the  nearest  route  to  the  turnpike  over  which  we  were 
retreating. 

It  was  fidl  dusk  when  we  ivached  the  road.  Colonel  Ren- 
dleton,  an  admirable  oflicer  and  an  accomplished  gentleman- 
of  the  corps  staff",  met  me  and  requested  that  my  brigade  be 
thrown  across  the  road  to  cover  the  retreat.  The  brigade  was 
promptly   formed,  advanced  rapidly  to  a  fence,  where  it  met  the 


44 


euemy  in  a  haiid-to-hand  eucounter,  repulsed  them  and  stopped 
the  pursuit  for  the  night.  It  was  while  near  ine  that  Colonel 
Pendleton,  whom  I  had  intimately  known  when  on  Jackson's 
staif,  fell  mortally  wounded. 

Napoleon  said:  "The  moral  force  in  war  is  worth  twice  its 
physical  effect."  Unfortunately,  from  this  time  on,  that  moral 
force  which  leads  to  success  in  battle  was,  in  this  army,  under 
its  present  leadership,  sadly  lacking. 

A  word  now  as  to  the 

PRIVATE   SOLDIER 

of  the  Confederate  army.  The  emergencies  of  the  South  called 
forth  all  of  her  sons  to  the  front  (''from  the  cradle  to  the  grave," 
as  Grant  expressed  it),  and  in  its  ranks  might  be  found  men  of 
every  position  in  society.  From  education,  association  and  pursuits 
he  was  superior  to  the  ordinary  soldier.  He  fought  not  for  pay,  for 
glory  or  promotion,  and  received  but  little  of  either.  He  coveted 
danger,  not  from  recklessness,  but  for  the  loved  ones  at  home, 
whose  approbation  and  safety  were  dearer  to  him  than  life  itself. 
His  honors  and  rewards  were  the  approval  of  a  good  conscience. 
His  humor  was  droll;  his  wit  original ;  his  spirits  unflagging; 
his  shoeless  feet,  tattered  clothes  and  "hard-tack"  were  oftener 
matters  for  jest  than  complaint.  When  his  officer  was  consider- 
ate and  capable  he  was  his  idol.  He  was  intelligent,  understood 
the  issues  at  stake  and  discussed  the  merits  and  conduct  of  every 
battle.  Whether  on  the  picket  line  or  the  forefront  of  battle, 
behind  every  trusted  musket  there  was  a  thinker,  and  there  was 
an  accommodation  and  comradeship  between  the  mere  hoy  and 
the  oldest  veteran.  It  was  such  devotion  and  unsurpassed  hero- 
ism as  was  displayed  by  the  privates  of  each  army,  equally 
brave  and  of  one  nationality,  that  makes  our  country  great  and 
demonstrates  to  the  world  the  excellence  and  superiority  of  the 
Anglo-Saxon  race. 

"Can  comrades  cease  to  think  of  those  wlio  bore 
The  brunt  of  conflict,  inarching  side  by  side — 
Forget  how  yonth  forgot  liis  beardless  face, 
Made  beanteous  bv  his  valorous  arm?" 


45 


N«),  lu'ver I  while  :i  widdwcd  Iii-art  cciiscs  to  f'iir<;('t  or  a  sister 
sli;ill  eoltlly  toiieh  the  brother's  "honored  blade."  All  honor 
then  to  the  ni)l)le  women  who,  in  his  old  ago  and  povertv — that 
"  iil-inatehod  pair" — seek  to  ])rovide,  if  not  a  lionie,  at  least  a 
shelter  for  him.  May  Heaven's  choieest  blessing  rest  upon  theni 
and  till  who  siiall  aid  them  in  their  j>ious  and  pati'iotic  woil<. 

To  retnrn  to  niy  narrative.  After  the  affair  of  I'Msher's  Hill 
we  fell  back  to  the  lower  passes  of  the  Jiluo  Rigdc,  where  Sheri- 
dan followeil  us  as  liir  as  Staunton.  Then,  after  destroying  the 
Central  Railroad,  he  retreated  uj)  the  valley  and  took  position 
behind  his  intrenehments  at 

CEDAR   CREEK. 

Early  had  now  been  re-inforced  by  the  return  of  Kershaw's 
Divisiou,  Cutshaw's  battaliou  of  artillery  and  some  cavalry, 
which  about  made  up  his  losses  at  \\'inchester  and  Fisher's 
Hill.  About  the  time  Sheridan  fell  back  it  had  been  Early's 
purpose  to  attack  him,  which  he  (loid)tless  anticij)ated,  for  he 
heard  that  Longstreet  had  joined  Early,  and  it  was  their  pur- 
pose to  destroy  him.  Early  pursued  Sheridan  beyond  Middle- 
town,  where  he  found  him  too  strongly  intrenched  for  a  direct 
attack,  and  we  were  therefore  formed  behind  our  breastworks 
at  Fisher's  Hill.  Froiu  our  signal  station,  which  overlooked 
their  camp,  it  was  discovered  that  the  Federal  left  flank  was 
lightly  picketed,  and  by  a  long  detour  and  careful  movement 
could  be  taken  in  reverse.  A  flanking  movement  was  directed 
by  Early  and  mainly  intrusted  to  (Jordon,  who,  with  Ram- 
seur'.s  Division,  commenced  moving  early  after  dark.  The  night 
was  consumed  in  a  fatiguing  and  exhausting  march,  which  was 
conducted  with  the  greatest  secrecy.  We  reached  the  point  at 
which  we  were  to  cross  the  creek  and  make  the  attack  at  earlv 
dawn.  Here  we  were  joined  by  Payne's  cavalry,  who  at  full 
speed  dashed  uj)on  and  c;i])tiired  Sheridan's  headquarters,  and, 
but  for  his  absence,  would  have  captured  him.  \\'hile  Crook's 
Corps  was  enjoying  its  undisturbed  cpiiet,  and  })ossibly  dream- 
ing of  to-morrow,  we  descended  like  a  wolf  on  the  fold  and 


46 


aroused  them  by  "Rebel  yells"  and  peals  of  musketry,  aud  they 
hastily  fled  in  garments  more  suited  to  a  camp  than  a  ball-room. 
After  our  great  reverses  the  sensation  of  pursuit  was  delight- 
ful. As  Hamseur  hurried  from  point  to  point  to  hasten  forward 
his  troops  where  resistance  was  offered  his  presence  and  manner 
was  electrical.  Notified  of  our  attack  by  the  firing,  the  Federals 
in  other  parts  of  the  field  formed  and  oiferedsome  resistance,  but 
they  were  so  much  demoralized  that  my  little  brigade  drove  back 
a  division  ten  times  its  number  after  but  slight  resistance.  By 
8  o'clock  we  had  captured  nearly  all  their  artillery  and  from 
fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  [)risoners,  and  the  Federals  were 
in  retreat.  Early  in  the  meantime,  with  two  divisions  which 
had  scarcely  been  engaged,  came  upon  the  field.  Gordon  informed 
me  that  he  then  advised  him  to  seize  all  his  wagon,  artillery  and 
ambulance  horses — indeed,  every  one  he  could  get — mount  his 
men  upon  them,  aud  hotly  pursue  the  Federals  before  they  could 
recover  from  their  panic.  But  we  were  very  deliberate.  While 
this  was  occurring  Sheridan  was  at  Winchester,  on  his  return 
from  Washington.  He  gives  this  graphic  account  of  his  meet- 
ing with  his  fleeing  troops:  "At  Mill  Creek  my  escort  fell 
behind  and  we  were  going  ahead  at  a  regular  pace  when,  just 
as  we  made  the  crest  of  the  rise  beyond  the  stream,  there  burst 
upon  our  view  the  appalling  spectacle  of  a  panic-stricken  arniy — 
hundreds  of  slightly  wounded  men,  thi'ongs  of  others  unhurt, 
but  utterly  demoralized,  and  baggage  wagons  by  the  score,  all 
pressing  to  the  rear  in  hopeless  confusion,  telling  only  too  plainly 
that  a  disaster  had  occurred  at  the  front.  On  accosting  some  of 
the  fugitives,  they  assured  me  that  the  army  was  broken  up,  in 
full  retreat,  and  that  all  was  lost;  all  this  with  a  manner  true 
to  that  peculiar  indifference  that  takes  possession  of  panic-stricken 
men."  In  the  meantime  General  Wright,  with  one  division  and 
some  cavalry,  had  the'  only  organized  force  in  our  presence. 
The  return  of  Sheridan  and  the  lack  of  a  vigorous  pursuit  had 
the  effect  to  allay  the  panic  with  which  his  army  was  seized 
early  in  the  day.  .  Ascertaining  from  some  prisoners  that  were 
captured  that  Lougstreet  was  not  with  Early,  Sheridan  reorgan- 


47 


i/.c'il  Ills  iiu'ii  tlir  West  he  could  Miid  tiinicil  iipnii  ih,  I  -IkhiM 
si\\'  about  .')  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Ivum.seiir  kept  his  men 
well  ill  hand,  and  iVoni  behind  rock  walls  successfully  resisted 
the  advance  of  tiie  Federals.  Near  4  o'clock  Kershaw's  Division 
nave  way  on  inv  left.  I  sent  my  head(|uarter  courier,  private 
Bei:;;;arlv,  to  report  the  fact  to  Cieneral  Kamseur.  \\'hile  (loin<r 
so  his  horse  was  shot  througii  the  ear  and  the  horse  upon  which 
General  Kamseur  sat  (for  he  refused  to  take  shelter)  was  killed. 
At  the  request  of  General  Ramseur,  private  Begt;arly  let  the 
General  have  his  horse.  So  careful  was  Kamseur  of  the  rights  of 
others,  even  in  the  midst  of  a  severe  engagement,  this  horse  was 
not  taken  before  getting  my  consent. 

Dui-ing  this  whole  encounter  no  man  could  have  behaved 
more  magnificently  and  heroic.ly  than  Kamseur  did  in  his  efforts 
to  resist  the  overwhelming  tide  which  was  now  setting  in  upon 
us.  From  the  position  which  he  occupied  the  retreat  of  Ker- 
shaw's Division  and  the  overlapping  flanking  column  of  the 
Federals  could  be  seen.  His  troops  became  alarmed  and  could 
not  be  held  in  position,  and  in  a  vain  effort  to  hold  them  lhi~ 
brave  and  accomplished  young  officer  fell 

MORTALLY    WOUNDED 

and  was  captured.  In  speaking  of  his  conduct  upon  this 
occasion,  General  Early  says:  "Major  General  Ramseur  has 
often  proved  his  courage  and  his  capacity  to  command,  but 
never  did  these  qualities  siiine  more  conspicuous  than  on 
the  afternoon  of  the  19th  of  this  month,  when,  after  two 
divisions  on  his  left  had  given  way  and  iiis  own  was  doing 
the  same  thing,  he  rallied  a  small  band  and  for  one  hour 
and  a  quarter  held  in  check  the  enemy,  until  he  was  .shot 
down  himself.  In  endeavoring  to  stop  those  who  were  retiring 
from  the  field  I  had  occasion  to  point  them  to  the  gallant  stand 
made  by  Ramseur  with  his  small  party,  and  if  his  spirit  could 
have  animated  those  who  left  him  thus  battling  the  l*Jth  of 
October  would  have  had  a  far  difl'erent  history.  He  met  the 
death  of  a  hero,  and  with  his  fall  the  last  hope  of  saviiuj  the  day 


48 


was  lost!  General  Ramseur  was  a  soldier  of  whom  his  State 
has  reason  to  be  proud — he  was  brave,  chivalrous  and  capable." 
General  Grimes  says,  in  his  report  of  this  battle:  "Up  to  the 
hour  of  4  p.  M.  the  troops  of  this  division,  both  officers  and 
men,  with  a  few  exceptions,  behaved  most  admirably,  and  were 
kept  well  in  hand.  But  little  plundering  and  only  a  few  shirk- 
ing their  duty.  After  that  hour  all  was  confusion  and  tlisorder. 
The  brigade  commanders  conducted  themselves,  each  and  all,  with 
great  coolness  and  judgment,  and  are  deserving  of  especial  men- 
tion for  using  all  possible  eiforts  to  check  their  troops,  but  with- 
out success.  The  death  of  the  brave  and  heroic  soldier,  General 
Ramseur,  is  not  only  a  loss  to  this  division  but  to  his  State  and 
country  at  large.  No  truer  and  nobler  spirit  has  been  sacrificed 
in  this  unjust  and  unholy  war."  Colonel  Winston,  commanding 
the  Forty-third  and  Forty-fifth  North  Carolina  Regiments,  says 
that  "only  one  man  of  those  regiments  in  passing  through  the 
rich  spoils  of  the  enemy's  camp  fell  out  of  ranks,  and  he  did  it 
to  get  a  hat,  and  was  court-martialed."  And  so  far  as  I  observed, 
the  charge  of  General  Early,  that  the  loss  of  the  fruits  of  our 
victory  in  the  morning  was  ascribable  to  the  plundering  of  the 
soldiers,  is  a  great  injustice.  Certainly  it  is  so  as  applicable  to 
that  large  body  of  North  Carolinians  who  were  then  in  his  corps, 
and  who  upon  this,  as  upon  prior  and  subsequent  occasions, 
proved  themselvt-s  to  be  among  the  best  soldiers  in  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia. 

What  General  Lee  said  in  his  letter  to  General  Early,  dated 
September  22d,  1864,  in  regard  to  his  strategy  as  a  separate 
commander,  was  clear  to  all,  and  in  the  main  led  to  his  want  of 
success.  Lee  said :  *  *  "As  fai-  as  lean  judge  fnnu  this  dis- 
tance, you  have  operated  more  with  your  divisions  than  with 
your  constituted  strength.  Circumstances  may  have  rendered 
it  necessary,  but  such  a  course  is  to  be  avoided  if  possible." 
When  General  Forrest  was  asked  the  cause  of  his  uniibrm  suc- 
cess he  replied:  "  I  get  there  first  with  the  most  men."  If  not 
classic,  this  is  at  least  epigrammatic. 

We  cheerfully  accept  the  well  merited  tribute  General  Early 
pays  the  chivalrous  and  knightly  Ramseur,  but  it  is  insisted  he 


49 


is  ontitK'd  to  one  >till  lii<:;li(r.  Instead  of"  fighting  with  a  few 
hniidioil  inoi),  as  Kaily  elsewhere  says,  we  see  him,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  General  (iriinos,  "holding  his  division  well  in  hand," 
officers  and  men  doing  their  duty  hdthCnliy,  while  the  disurder 
and  cont'nsion  in  other  j)arts  of  (he  field  hastens  the  disaster 
wliich  with  tn>oj>s  skillfnlly  handled  shonld   not  have  oecnrrcd. 

It  will  lie  asked  if  the  eritieisms  of  Early's  valley  (•am|)aign 
are  just,  why  did  not  General  Lee  remove  him?  There  an; 
several  good  reasons  why  General  Lee  should  have  heen  slow  to 
pursue  sueh  a  eourse.  Karly  was  a  man  of  supeiior  intelligence, 
he  was  earni'st  in  the  cause,  and  as  a  hrigadier and  division  com- 
mander a  hanl  lighter  and  successfid  officer.  There  is,  however, 
a  marked  ditfcrcnce  between  a  chief  and  subordinate  commander, 
and  Lee  had  never  known  him  otherwise  than  as  a  subordinate. 
It  is  true  that  Lee  was  finally  compelled  to  remove  him.  and  we 
may  |)resume  it  was  his  reluctance  to  wound  that  caused  him  to 
unwillingly  take  the  step  which  soon  became  necessary.  This 
forbearance  was  in  keeping  with  Lee's  general  character,  as  known 
to  those  who  served  under  him.  It  is  so  well  expressed  by  Col- 
onel W.  H.  Taylor  of  his  staff,  in  his  book  entitled  "Four 
Years  with  General  Lee,"  we  can  but  quote  from  him.     He  says: 

"If  it  shall  be  the  verdict  of  posterity  that  General  Lee  in 
any  respect  fell  short  of  perfection  as  a  military  leader  it  may 
perhaps  be  claimed :  First,  that  he  was  too  careful  of  the  per- 
sonal feelings  of  bis  subordinate  commanders,  too  fearful  of 
wounding  their  pride,  and  too  solicitous  of  their  reputation. 
Probably  it  was  this  that  caused  him  sometimes  to  continue  in 
command  those  of  whose  personal  fitness  for  their  position  he 
was  not  convinced,  and  often  avowedly  or  tacitly  assumed  respon- 
sibility for  mishaj>s  clearly  attributable  to  the  inefficiency,  neglect 
or  carelessness  of  others." 

Through  the  courtesy  of  the  family  of  (Jcneral  Ramseur,  I 
am  placed  in  the  possession  of  a  personal  letter  from  K.  R.  Hutch- 
inson, of  Virgini;i,  an  able  and  accomplished  officer,  who  before 
the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek  had  long  served  as  Major  and  Acting 
Adjutant  General  to  the  division.  Major  Hutchinson  was  with 
7 


50 


General  Ramseur  when  he  received  his  fatal  wound,  was  cap- 
tured while  endeavoring  to  remove  hira  from  the  field,  and  by 
his  bedside  during  his  last  moments. 

His  account  of  the  sad  occurrence  on  that  occasion  is  so  vivid 
and  touching  no  apology  is  deemed  due  for  introducing  his  let- 
ter, with  a  single  omission,  in  this  monograph  : 

"Near  Strasburg,  Va.,  October  20,  1864. 
"Mrs.  S.  D.  Ramseur  llilton,  N.  C: 

"Dear  Madam: — I  do  not  know  how  to  write  to  you;  how 
to  express  my  deep  sympathy  in  your  grievous  affliction;  but 
the  Christian  soldier  who  has  gone  before  us  to  that  other  world 
has  asked  me  to  do  it,  and  I  must  not  shrink  from  the  performance 
of  this  duty,  however  painful.  I  am  writing  by  the  side  of  him 
whose  last  thought  was  of  you  and  his  God,  his  country  and  his 
duty.  He  died  this  day  at  twenty-seven  minutes  past  10  o'clock 
A.  M.,  and  had  at  least  the  consolation  of  having  by  his  side 
some  who  wore  the  same  uniform  and  served  in  the  same  holy 
cause  as  himself.  His  last  moments  were  peaceful,  his  wounds 
were  painful,  but  his  hope  in  Christ  led  him  to  endure  all 
patiently.  He  received  his  mortal  wound  yesterday  afternoon 
(October  19th)  between  the  hours  of  5  and  6  P.  M.  at  the 
post  of  honor  and  of  danger,  where  he  always  was.  Our 
troops  had  fallen  back  a  short  distance  hut  iiad  reformed, 
and  were  stubbornly  contesting  a  position  oil  a  hill  which  the 
enemy  attacked  from  three  sides.  He  exposed  himself  to  every 
shot,  cheering  and  encouraging  all.  I  was  not  far  from  him 
when  I  saw  his  horse  shot;  he  procured  another,  which  was 
shot  also,  and  immediately  after  he  received  his  fatal  wound  (the 
second),  all  in  the  space  of  a  very  few  minutes.  I  ran  over  to 
him,  got  some  men.  and  bore  him  to  the  rear,  your  brother  join- 
ing us  on  the  way.  I  then  went  off  after  an  ambulance,  found 
it,  but  saw  on  returning  with  it  that  he  had  been  left,  as  I 
thought,  in  the  enemy's  lines.  This  fear  was  soon  after  dissi- 
pated, however,  by  seeing  him  on  Captain  Randolpii's  hoi-se,  the 
Captain  running  along  side  and  supporting  him.     We  got  him 


51 


tlun  t(»  tlu'  aiiil)iil:inrc  I  IkkI  l)r(>ti;;lit  up.  I  tlinii;^lit  lii'  was 
sate  tlu'ii,  iKtt  Uiiuwiiii:;  how  (laiiiicniiis  was  his  wound,  and 
roniainod  with  the  rear  i^uard.  When  I  was  suh.sef|UC'ntly  cap- 
tured hy  the  enemy's  cavahy,  I  was  eaiTJed  to  General  Sheri- 
dan's headquarters,  and  learning  that  General  Raniseur  had  been 
caj)turcHl,  asked  and  obtained  permission  to  remain  with  him. 
The  road  had  been  blocked  up  by  wai^ons,  causing  a  delay,  that 
gave  the  enemy  time  to  get  up  and  take  him  j)iisoner,  just  south 
of  Sti-asburg.  Many  of  his  former  friends  (West  Pointers) 
called  to  see  him  yesterday  and  to-day,  and  offered  every  assist- 
ance in  their  power,  (ieneral  Sheridan  among  the  mimlxr.  He 
was  taken  to  General  Sheridan's  headquarters  and  njade  as  com- 
fortable as  circumstances  would  permit.  Dr.  James  Gillespie 
(Cutshaw's  Battalion  of  Artillery),  a  Confederate  surgeon,  assisted 
l)y  the  enemy's  surgeons,  attended  to  him  and  did  all  that  could 
be  done  under  the  circumstances.  He  sutlered  a  good  deal  from 
his  wound,  the  ball  having  entered  his  right  side,  j)enetrating  the 
right  and  left  Iinig,  and  lodging  near  the  left  side.  But  the  eud 
w'as  peacefid  and  quiet.  He  spoke  continually  of  you,  and  sent 
very  many  messages  to  his  family,  but  above  all,  to  his  wife.  He 
told  the  ambulance  driver  to  tell  General  Hoke  that  he  "died  a 
Christian  and  had  done  his  duty."  He  told  me  to  "give  his 
love  and  send  some  of  his  hair  to  his  darling  wife";  and  often 
wished  he  could  "see  his  wife  and  little  child  before  he  died." 
He  told  me  to  tell  you  he  had  a  "firm  hope  in  Christ,  and  hoped 
to  meet  you  hereafter."  He  died  as  became  a  Confederate  soldier 
and  a  firm  believer. 

"I  inclose  the  lock  of  hair  he  desired  sent  you. 

"Respectfully,  R.  R.Hutchinson, 

''Major  and  A.  A.  (i.  P.  A.  C.  S." 

IN    a^NCLUSION. 

Ramsenr  in  personal  appearance  was  slight,  erect,  alert,  earnest 
in  speech,  with  dark  prominent  eyes  and  well  developed  fore- 
head.    He  was  an  ideal  soldier. 

General  Robert  Ransom,  in  writing  of  his  bearing  in  action, 
while  they  were  together  in  the  valley,  says:  "  Ramsenr  com- 


52 


mauded  iufantry  aud  I  the  whole  of  Early's  cavalry  dur- 
ing the  time  I  was  with  Early.  Whenever  I  had  opportu- 
nity to  see  Raniseur  his  conduct  was  marked  by  great  energy, 
brilliant  dash  (often  amounting  to  impetuosity)  and  an  enthu- 
siasm which  inspired  those  he  led." 

Among  the  soldiers  of  Napoleon,  Marshal  Ney  was  known  as 
"the  bravest  of  the  brave."  When  asked  whether  he  ever  felt 
fear  in  battle,  he  replied  that  he  never  had  time.  His  reply 
might  aptly  be  that  of  Ramseur.  When  in  acticju  his  enthusi- 
asm arose  with  the  magnitude  of  the  dangers  that  environed 
him.  But  this  enthusiasm  was  controlled  by  a  well-directed 
judgment  as  to  the  best  disposition  to  make  of  his  troops,  and  as 
to  the  weak  points  of  his  adversary.  He  fully  realized  that  war 
meant  danger,  even  death ;  that  the  eyes  of  his  troops  were  upon 
him,  and  their  greatest  safety  lay  in  marching  fearlessly  and 
promptly  to  the  front  of  danger,  and  he  never  hesitated  to  lead 
them. 

On  the  day  preceding  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek,  General  Ram- 
seur received  intelligence  of  the  birth  of  the  little  child  men- 
tioned in  the  letter  of  Major  Hutchinson.  The  birth  of  one's 
first  born  arouses  a  thousand  thrilling  emotions  in  the  heart  of 
every  manly  bosom  which  can  be  felt  but  not  described. 

General  Ramseur  was  a  superb  horseman,  and  on  the  day  of  the 
battle  he  appeared  upon  the  field  well  mounted  and  dressed  with 
an  unusual  care  in  his. handsome  General's  uniform.  He  wore 
upon  the  lapel  of  his  coat  a  bouionniere,  the  gift  doubtless  of 
some  fair  and  patriotic  woman  in  that  section,  bestowed  in  recog- 
nition of  the  joyous  event  which  he  had  made  known  to  her. 
I  have  already  described  the  enthusiasm  with  which  his  presence 
on  this  occasion  inspired,  as  he  hastened  from  one  part  of  the 
battle  field  to  another,  and  an  electric  glow  even  thrilled  through 
my  impassive  breast  as  we  drove  our  gallant  adversaries  before 
us,  they  making  just  enough  resistance  to  heighten  the  effect 
danger  inspires.  How  different  is  the  situation  of  man  and 
woman  under  such  circumstances.  To  man  the  presence  of  dan- 
ger is  all-absorbing.     Woman,  on  the  approach  of  an  impending 


53 

l):»ltlr  is  lillctl  with  the  most  niixiuiis  toR-hodiiiu^  of  diiii^cr,  wliidi 
air  to  Ik-  tollo\Vf«l  after  the  Uattli"  lias  lurii  foii^rht  witli  still 
nioro  wearying;  and  anxious  thoughts  and  slcfphss  niirhls — 
for  her  there  is  no  rest  until  the  list  of  killed  ami  wain. led  is 
iveeived  and  donltt  is  resolved  into  eertainty. 

No  doubt  amitlst  that  day's  vieissitudes  Raniseur's  mind  wan 
continuallv  d\vellin;j;  upon  his  wife  and  eliild,  and  jdeasant 
thoughts  of  an  early  meeting  and  of  additional  honors  that  mi-ht 
be  his,  for  in  the  course  of  this  address  it  may  have  been  observed 
he  scarcely  ever  participated  in  an  important  battle  that  he  did 
not  win  a  promotion.  It  is  wisely  provided  that  no  man  can  see 
what  a  (lav  niav  bring  forth,  or  certify  how  long  he  has  to  live. 
In  Ivamsenr's  case  it  is  pleasant  to  feel  that  as  a  hero  and  a 
Christian  he  was  prepared  to  meet  his  last  enemy  when  he  came. 
AVhen  being  borne  from  the  field  his  memory  revisits  the  old 
homestead,  and  he  thinks  of  one  between  whom  and  himself  the 
warmest  ties  had  always  existed.  There  was  but  a  month's 
difference  in  their  ages.  "Tell  General  Hoke,"  he  says,  "  1  did 
niv  duty  and  died  a  Christian." 

"He  died,  but  his  end  was  fittin<?, 
Foremost  in  tiie  ranks  lie  led, 
And  he  marked  the  heights  of  his  nation's  gain. 
As  he  lay  in  the  harness — dead." 

The  Rev.  E.  Harding,  his  connexion  and  chaplain,  in  his 
sketch  of  General  Ram.seur,  to  which  I  am  indebted  in  prepar- 
ing this  memoir,  in  writing  of  his  Christian  character,  .says: 
"Ramseur  rea<l  his  r,ible  a  great  deal,  and  when  opjmrtunity 
offered  held  lamily  prayers;  that  he  was  "fond  of  conversing 
on  religious  subjects,  and  i)unctual  in  attending  divine  service"; 
that  he  "was  a  high-toned  and  chivalrous  gentleman,  a  gallant 
sohlier,  an  humble  Christian." 

His  last  thoughts  on  earth  were  of  home  and  Heaven,  the 
sweetest  word-^  in  any  language.  He  said,  bear  this  message  to 
my  precious  wife:  "I  die  a  Chri.stiau  and  hope  to  meet  her  in 
Heaven."  No  balm  to  the  bruised  heart  could  be  more  precious, 
no  assurance  more  gratifying. 


54 


Irrespective  of  section,  irrespective  of  servicf,  the  blue  and 
the  gra}' — Sheridan,  Custer,  Federal  and  Confederate  sur- 
geons— gather  around  his  couch  to  minister  to  his  wants  and 
smooth  his  dying  pillow.  His  soul  takes  its  flight,  and  the  day 
men  called  his  last  was  his  first  in  tlie  Paradise  of  God.  His  body 
was  carefully  embalmed  by  the  Federals,  borne  through  their 
lines  and  delivered  to  his  early  and  cherished  friend.  General 
Hoke.  And  thus  was  illustrated  the  saying  that  (he  world 
would  remain  at  peace  if  those  who  made  the  quarrels  were 
the  only  men  that  fought,  for  between  the  soldiers  of  the 
two  armies  there  was  no  personal  animosity — of  one  race,  of 
one  nationality,  equally  brave  and  equally  sincere,  they  did  not 
bring  on  the  war,  and  not  with  their  consent  has  its  animosities 
been  continued.  Ramseur's  remains  were  carried  to  his  native 
village,  and  there  a  large  concourse  of  his  neighbors  and  friends 
assembled  to  express  their  sorrow  and  do  honor  to  his  memory. 
They  accomftanied  his  remains  to  their  last  resting-place,  which 
is  in  the  Episcopal  church-yard,  and  deposited  them  beside 
those  of  his  father  and  motlier.  Over  them  a  loving  and 
devoted  kinsman  has  had  erected  a  handsome  monument,  on  one 
side  of  which  is  engraved  the  Confederate  flag  and  the  principal 
battles  in  which  he  fought,  and  on  the  other  the  date  of  his  birth 
and  of  his  death,  with  this  appropriate  inscription  :  "A  Christian 
Soldier." 


MAJ.-GEN.  STEPHEN  1).  RAMSEUR. 


[From  the  CaroliiKi  Tinirs,  Charlotli',  N.  ('.'] 

Tlu'  remains  of  Gen.  Raniseur,  who  fell  in  the  recent  hattles 
in  the  Valley,  reached  here  on  Saturday  evening,  (Nov.  5th, 
1804)  by  the  Northern  train.  The  Naval  (Juard,  under  the 
coniniand  of  Major  Ramsey,  together  with  a  considerable  con- 
course of  citizens,  met  the  remains  at  the  depot,  and  escorted 
them  to  the  residence  of  Col.  L.  S.  Williams.  On  Sunday 
morning  the  same  escort  followed  the  remains  of  the  honored 
dead  to  the  depot,  whence  they  were  conveyed  to  Lincolnton, 
the  place  of  his  residence,  for  interment. 

The  hearse  was  decorated  with  the  Confederate  battle-flag, 
and  drawn  by  a  span  of  black  horses. 

GE.N.    RAMSEUR. 

On  Sunday  morning  the  body  of  Gen.  Ramseur  was  escorted 
from  the  residence  of  Colonel  L.  S.  Williams,  (where  it  had 
been  taken  on  its  arrival  from  Richmond,)  to  the  depot  of  the 
Wilmington,  Charlotte  and  Rutherford  Railroad,  by  the  Naval 
Guard  battalion.  Major  Ramsay  commanding,  and  a  number 
of  the  citizens  of  Charlotte.  The  following  named  officers  act- 
ed as  pall-bearers:  Col.  Wm.  J.  Hoke,  Col.  Edwin  Osborne,  Lt. 
Col.  John  A.  Young,  Lt.  Col.  T.  H.  Brem,  Major  R.  J.  Echols, 
Dr.  J.  W.  Ash  by,  Capt.  E.  Stitt,  and  Capt.  D.  DeWolf.  At 
the  depot  a  special  train  was  in  waiting,  and,  as  soon  as  the 
body  and  the  escort  were  on  board  started  for  Lincolnton, 
where  they  arrived  at  11  o'clock.  There  the  body  was  escort- 
ed from  the  depot  and  deposited  in  the  court  house,  to  lay  in 
state  until  Monday,  that  the  citizens  of  Lincoln  county  be  en- 
abled to  attend  the  funeral. 

The  citizens  of  Lincolnton,  having  had  no  notice  of  the 
coming  of  the  train  on  Sunday,  very  few  of  them  were  present 


at  the  depot  when  it  arrived.  As  soon  as  the  ceremonies  were 
over  they  came  forward,  and,  with  their  usual  hospitality, 
took  charge  of  the  Naval  Guard  battalion  and  those  of  our 
citizens  who  accompanied  them,  and  entertained  all  with  such 
a  profusion  of  good  edibles  as  is  rarely  seen  inthese  war  times. 
At  3  o'clock  the  train  left  for  Charlotte  with  the  military  on 
board,  where  in  due  time  they  arrived  safely,  all  well  pleased 
with  their  visit — the  first,  with  many  of  them — to  the  good 
people  of  Lincolnton. — Carolina  Times. 


[From  The  Carolina  T/mes'.] 

Lincolnton,  Nov.  8th,  1864. 

Mr.  Editor:  On  Sunday  morning  last,  the  6th  of  Novem- 
ber, the  roll  of  the  muffled  drum  announced  to  our  people 
that  the  mortal  remains  of  Major  General  Ramseur  had 
been  Inought  to  this  his  home  for  interment.  They,  though 
unexpected,  were  met  at  the  depot  by  a  large  concourse  of 
citizens  who,  together,  with  the  Naval  Battalion,  command- 
ed by  Lieut.  Ramsey,  from  your  town,  formed  a  proces- 
sion in  the  following  order:  first,  the  naval  battalion  with 
arms  reversed,  then  the  hearse  containing  the  body  covered 
with  the  Confederate  flag  and  wreaths  of  flowers;  on  each 
side  of  the  hearse  walked  the  following  gentlemen  as  pall- 
bearers :  Col.  John  A.  Young,  Col.  W.  J.  Hoke,  Col.  Edwin 
Osborne,  Lieut.  Col.  Thos.  H.  Brem,  Maj.  Echols,  Maj.  Ashby, 
Capt.  W.  E.  Stitt,  and  Capt.  De  Wolf;  after  the  hearse  came 
the  citizens. 

The  procession  moved  from  the  depot  to  the  court  house 
where  the  body  was  deposited.  It  remained  there  for  a  short 
time  when  it  was  conveyed  to  the  Presbyterian  church,  where 
the  coffin  was  opened  and  the  body  viewed  by  the  citizens 
until  half  past  two  o'clock,  p.  m.  on  Monday,  when  the  funeral 
services  were  performed  by  Rev.  Robt.  N.  Davis,  of  the  Presby- 
terian church,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  and  grief-stricken 
audience.  The  body  was  then  conveyed  to  the  cemetery  and 
deposited  in  a  vault  there  peacefully  to  rest  until  it  shall  be 
awakened  from  its  slumbers,  at  the  last  day,  by  the  trump  of 


3 

God,  summoning  both  patriot  and  vandal  to  render  an  account 
of  the  deeds  done  in  the  body.  The  writer  of  this  had  not 
tlie  j)h'asure  of  the  jiersonal  ae(iuaintanee  of  the  deceased,  but 
has.  with  pride,  watched  his  short  but  brilliant  career,  from 
the  memorable  20th  of  May,  1SC)1,  when  the  thunder  of  his 
artillery,  at  Ralei<j;h,  announced  to  the  people  of  the  State  that 
the  hated  tie,  that  bountl  us  so  lonj;  to  Northern  ojjpression 
hatl  been  broken,  to  the  day  when  in  the  Valley  he  so  glori- 
ously made  a  winding  sheet  of  his  martial  cloak.  He  fell  a 
christian  hero,  clad  both  in  the  hvery  of  his  country  and  in 
the  armor  of  his  iJod.  While  we  mourn  our  los?,  let  us  enml- 
ate  his  patriotism  and  christian  virtues. 

Alkx.  II.  Justice. 


LiNCOLNTON,  Nov.  12,  1864. 

Eds.  Confederate,  Raleigh,  N.  C:  The  remains  of  Maj.  Gen. 
Ramseur  reached  here  last  Sunday  at  12  o'clock,  by  special 
train  from  Charlotte,  escorted  by  the  Naval  Battalion  of  that 
city.  They  were  taken  to  the  court  house  and  thence  to  the 
Presbyterian  church,  followed  by  a  long  procession  of  the 
citizens.  On  Monday  afternoon,  after  a  very  impressive  and 
appropriate  discourse  by  the  Rev.  Robert  N.  Davis,  his  body 
was  temporarily  deposited  in  the  vault  of  the  Hoke  family, 
near  the  village  burying  ground. 

The  features  of  the  distinguished  dead  were  perfectly  natur- 
al, except  a  marble  paleness,  and  were  seen  by  all,  both  vil- 
lagers and  strangers,  who  can)e  to  the  church  to  take  the  last 
look  on  his  noble  face. 

The  body  had  been  embalmed  by  the  enemy.  He  received 
his  mortal  wound  between  5  and  6  o'clock  in  the  evening,  (on 
19th  of  Oct.,)  after  two  horses  had  been  shot  under  him,  and 
while  cheering  on  his  men,  surrounded  on  three  sides  by  the 
enemy.  His  A.  A.  G.,  Maj.  Hutchinson,  aided  by  others,  bore 
him  to  the  rear,  then  went  for  an  ambulance,  and  on  return- 
ing found  him  on  Capt.  Randolph's  horse,  the  Captain  running 
along  by  his  side  and  supporting  him ;  and  thus  got  him  to 
the  ambulance. 


The  ambulance  was  impeded  by  wagons  and  taken  by  the 
enemy,  and  also  Maj.  Hutchinson.  Being  taken  to  Gen. 
Sheridan's  headquarters,  Maj.  H.  obtained  permission  to  re- 
turn there  with  Gen.  Ramseur. 

The  General's  last  words  were — "  Tell  my  darling  wife,  I  die 
with  a  firm  faith  in  Christ,  and  trust  to  meet  her  hereafter." 
His  last  words  to  the  ambulance  driver  who  took  him  from 
the  field  were:  "Tell  Gen.  Hoke  I  die  a  christian  and  have 
done  my  duty." 

On  the  3d.  inst.,  as  Gen.  Hoke  was  riding  out  to  examine 
some  work  that  was  going  on,  a  staff  officer  of  Gen.  Colquitt 
came  to  him  to  say,  there  was  a  flag  of  truce  in  front,  with 
the  body  of  Gen.  Ramseur.  It  seemed  hke  akind  Providence 
had  guided  the  body  of  the  christian  soldier  into  the  hands  of 
his  fellow-officer,  the  friend  to  whom  his  lips  had  breathed 
almost  their  last  words. 

Gens.  Hoke  and  Colquitt  and  staff  accompanied  the  body 
to  Richmond  and  placed  it  in  the  Capitol.  The  next  day  the 
Governor  of  Virginia  ordered  a  military  escort  to  attend  the 
body  to  the  depot,  from  which  Major  Adams,  of  Gen.  Hoke's 
staff,  and  a  friend  of  the  family,  returned  his  honored  remains 
to  the  village  of  his  birth  and  the  care  of  his  desolate  family. 
Thus  another  hero  has  passed  away. 

H.  H.  Smith. 


TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF     MAJOR-GENERALS     RODES     AND 

RAMSEUR. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  officers  of  Rodes'  Division,  A.  N.  V., 
held  at  the  camp  near  New  Market,  Va.,  on  the  29th  inst., 
Brig.-General  Phil.  Cook  was  called  to  the  Chair,  and  Major 
G.  Peyton  appointed  Secretary. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  reported  by  a 
Committee  consisting  of  Brig.  General  W.  R.  Cox,  Colonel  D. 
G.  Cowan,  32d  N.  C.  Regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  W. 
Beck,  44th  Ga.  Regiment,  Captain  Watkins  Phelan,  3d  Ala. 
Regiment,  and  Captain  T.  C,  Belcher,  5th  Ala.  Regiment,  and 
were  unanimously  adopted : 


"  Wht'n  tlu'  ^ood  and  j,'ifte(l  are  takoii  from  aniniif,'  us  l»y  theundia- 
tinguisliint;  liaiul  of  death,  it  is  meet  tliat  we  should  cherish  their 
memories  and  protit  by  their  examples  ;  therefore  he  it 

AV-xo/o  (/ /.s<.  That  in"  the  death  of  our  loved  and  respteeted  leaders, 
Major  (ieneral  Rodes  and  Major  ( Jeiieral  Kamseur,  who  fell  u|)on  the 
battle  tield  while  L'allaiitly  discharirin^'  their  duties,  our  cause  has  lost 
two  hrilhant  otlicers:  this  Hivisiou  two  able  and  experienced  leaders  ; 
and  we  personallv  two  cultivate<l  comrades  and  courteous  and  urbane 
instructoi-s.  Their  deeds  and  their  chivalrousdarin^  need  no  eulo^dum 
at  our  hands,  they  constitute  a  part  of  the  history  of  this  war,  and  are 
the  richest  heirlooms  of  their  families. 

Rtsoltrd  Jnii.  That  they  fell  where  the  true  patriot  deli^dits  to  fall ; 
upon  the  tield  of  honor,  and  in  thedischar<;e  of  one  of  the  most  sacred 
obliirations  known  to  man,  and  that  our  cause  has  been  rendered  more 
dear  to  our  lu'arts,  if  possible,  by  the  sai'rilices  they  have  made,  in  de- 
fending our  homes  and  firesides  from  the  desecration  of  ruthless  in- 
vaders. 

Resoh'tuLlrd.  That,  as  a  mark  of  our  high  aitprcciation  of  their  worth, 
all  militarv  duties  not  indispensable  be  suspended  on  Tuesday  next, 
that  the  ('haplains  of  the  different  brigades  be  re(iuested  to  hold 
divineservice,  and  that  the  drums  be  uiufHed,  and  after  these  proceed- 
ings are  read  at  Dress  I'arade,  the  troops  "red  on  arms"  while  a  dirge 
shall  be  played  bv  the  bands. 

Resolred  itli,  Tliat  their  disconsolate  and  afllicted  families  have  our 
•warmest  sympathies  in  this,  their  sad  bereavement,  and  we  trust  that 
He,  "who  doeth  all  things  well,"  will  soon  enable  tlem  to  see  the 
"silver  lintng  to  the  cloud  "  even  amid  the  shadow  of  death. 

Ee.iolird  5th,  That  copies  of  these  proceedings  be  furnished  to  the 
family  of  each  of  the  deceased,  and  that  the  North  Carolina  and 
Alabama  papers  be  requested  to  copy  them  ;  also,  that  a  copy  be  spread 
upon  the  order  books  of  the  Division  and  Brigades. 

Phil.  Cook,  Chairman. 

G.  Pey'TON,  Secretary. 


Headquarters,  Rooes'  Division, 
Oct.  80th,  1864. 
Captain  Samud  J.  C.  Moon,  A.  A.  G.: 

Captain  :  At  a  meeting  of  the  officers  of  this  Division,  held  on  yes- 
terday, to  express  their  sense  of  the  great  loss  sustained  by  this  com- 
mand, and  the  service,  in  the  deaths  of  Major  General  Rodes  and 
Major  General  Ramseur,  it  was  resolved  that  all  military  duties  not 
indispensable  to  the  safety  of  the  army,  be  suspended  in  this  Division 
on  Tuesday  next.  I  have  the  honor  to  request  permission  from  the 
Lieutenant  General  commanding  to  carry  out  this  resolution. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Bryan  Gri.mes, 
Brigadier  General  Cotnmanding. 


Headquarters,  Valley  District, 
October  31st,  1864. 
General:    Your  request  for  the  suspension   for  to-morrow  in  your 
Division  of  all  military  duties  which  are  not  indispensable,  in  order  to 
carry  out  the  purposes  of  the  resolutions  of  the  officers  of  theDi  vision  in 


6 

honor  of  Major  General  R.  E.  Rodes  and  Major  General  S.  D.  Ramseur 
is  granted.  I  take  occasion  to  express  to  the  Division,  so  lately  com- 
manded in  succession  by  these  lamented  officers,  my  high  apprecia- 
tion of  their  merits,  and  my  profound  sorrow  at  their  deaths. 

While  serving  with  General  Rodes,  when  we  were  both  Division 
Commanders,  I  had  formed  a  very  high  estimate  of  his  qualities  as  a 
man  and  an  officer.  That  estimate  has  been  greatly  enhanced  during 
the  recent  campaign.  I  have  been  struck  with  admiration  of  his  con- 
stant and  vigilant  devotion  to  duty,  his  careful  attention  to  the  discip- 
line and  welfare  of  his  men,  and  his  great  coolness,  skill  and  gallantry 
in  action.  He  fell  on  the  19th  of  September,  at  the  head  of  his  Divis- 
ion, making  one  of  the  most  gallant  charges  that  has  been  made  dur- 
ing this  war.  I  parted  with  hmi  as  he  was  going  into  the  charge,  and 
witnessed  the  vigor  with  which  he  hurled  his  Division  aga  nst  the 
columns  of  the  enemy,  driving  them  back  in  confusion.  He  met  his 
death  just  at  the  moment  when  the  enemy  was  flying  before  h  im,  and 
there  never  fell  a  truer  gentleman  nor  braver  soldier.  In  his  death 
his  country  sustained  a  severe  loss  which  cannot  be  easily  re  paired, 
but  he  fell  nobly,  gallantly,  heroically  doing  his  duty. 

Major  General  Ramseur  has  often  proved  his  courage  and  his  capaci- 
ty to  command  ;  but  never  did  these  qualities  shine  more  conspicuously 
than  on  the  afternoon  of  the  19th  of  this  month,  when,  after  two  divis- 
ions on  his  left  had  given  away  and  his  own  was  doing  the  same 
thing,  he  rallied  a  small  band  and  for  one  hour  and  a  quarter  held  in 
check  the  enemy,  until  he  was  shot  down  himself.  In  endeavoring  to 
stop  those  who  were  retiring  from  the  tield,  I  had  occasion  to  point 
them  to  the  gallant  stand  made  by  Ramseur  with  his  small  party,  and 
if  his  spirit  could  have  animated  those  who  left  him  thus  battling, 
the  19th  of  October  would  have  had  a  far  different  history.  He  met 
the  death  of  a  hero,  and  with  his  fall  the  last  hope  of  saving  the  day 
was  lost.  General  Ramseur  was  a  soldier  of  whom  his  State  has 
reason  to  be  proud — he  was  brave,  chivalrous  and  capable. 

Your  Division  has  thus  been  called  on  to  mourn  the  loss,  within  one 
month's  time,  of  the  two  commanders  who  have  fallen  at  their  posts. 
It  is  a  sad  loss  to  the  Division,  the  army  and  the  country.  I  feel  it 
most  sensibly.  In  them  I  have  lost  not  only  valued  friends,  but  most 
able  and  efficient  assistants,  and  I  join  with  the  Division  so  well  com- 
manded by  them,  in  honoring  their  memory.  Let  the  Division  be  in- 
spired by  the  example  of  these  noble  heroes,  while  lamenting  their 
loss.  Respectfully, 

J.  A.  Early,  Lieut.  General. 

Brig.  General  Bryan  Grimes,  commanding  Division. 

The  city  papers  are  requested  to  copy. 


MAJ.  GEN.  S.  D.  RAMSEUR. 

A  large  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Lincoln  county  assembled 
at  the  court  house  on  Monday,  the  31st  of  October,  1864,  for 
the  purpose  of  considering  the  death  of  Major  General  Stephen 
Dodson  Ramseur,  a  citizen  of  that  county ;  when  Col.  W.  P. 
Bynum,  formerly  of  the  2d  N.  C.  T.  arose  and  said: 


"A  recent  reverse  to  our  arms  in  the  Valley  of  Viri^inia,  causes  us 
to  (leplor*  a  loss,  irreater  than  thai  of  a  lialtle,  the  loss  of  a  nohle, 
brave  and  aceoinplished  olllcer,  Major  (Jeneral  RanistMir.  Tiiis  large 
and  spontaneous  meetint;  evinces  the  deep  liold  which  lie  had  on  the 
public  contidence  as  a  military  chieftain  ;  and  the  profound  sorrow 
which  pervadws  the  country  on  iiis  sudden  but  heroic;  deatii.  Assign- 
ed to  the  command  in  whicii  I  served,  I  knew  him  well.  He  succeeded 
the  lamented  (Jeneral  Anderson,  an  ollicer  of  great  Hl)ilities,  and  well 
skilled  in  the  art  of  war,  commandiii;^  the  love  and  contidence  of  his 
men.     His  was  a  place  not  easily  tilletl. 

(Jen.  Uamseur  came  to  the  brigade,  a  stranger,  from  another  depart- 
ment of  the  service ;  but  he  at  once  disarmed  criticism  by  his  high 
professional  attainment  anil  great  amiability  of  character,  inspiring 
his  men,  by  his  own  enthusiastic  nature,  with  those  lofty  martial 
qualities  wiiich  distinguish  the  true  Southern  soldier. 

The  loss  of  such  a  man  is  a  national  calamity,  and  calls  on  us  to 
commemorate  his  great  virtues  and  to  mingle  our  sorrow  with  the 
general  grief  " 

In  concluding,  Col.  Hyiunn  moved  that  his  Honor  Judge 
James  E.  Oshorne  be  called  to  the  chair,  and  that  Ambrose 
Costner  and  V.  4.  McBee,  Es(irs.,  act  as  secretaries,  and  the 
meeting  was  so  organized. 

The  Hon.  Win.  Ijander  arose  and  offered  the  following  re- 
solutions, as  expressing  the  sentiments  and  feelings  of  the 
meeting: 

Whereas,  We  have  heard  with  deep  regret  of  the  untimely  death  of 
the  brave  and  chivalrlc  Major  General  Stephen  Dodson  Ramseur,  who 
fell  mortally  wounded  while  nobly  leading  his  division,  with  great 
gallantry,  at  Cedar  Creek  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  on  the  19th  Octo- 
ber, 18«J4, 

We,  the  citizens  of  this  his  native  county,  feeling  a  profound  inter- 
est in  his  memory,  and  an  e.xalted  pride  in  his  numerous  heroic  and 
brilliant  achievements  in  arms,  from  thevery  beginning  of  our  stru"'- 
gle  for  right  and  independence,  deem  it  a  sad  privilege  as  well  as  a 
sacred  duty,  to  unite  with  our  fellow  citizens  of  this  State  and  of  the 
Confederate  States,  in  deploring  the  irreparable  loss  of  him,  than 
whom  no  sister  State  has  lost  a  purer,  nobler,  braver  son.  Therefore 
be  it 

Resolri'd.  That  while  we  bow  with  humble  submission  to  the  inscru- 
table will  of  God  in  this  afflictive  dispensation,  we  are  forced  to  feel 
the  pall  of  gloom  which  has  been  thrown  over  our  whole  Confederacy 
by  the  sudden  fall  of  so  valuable  an  officer  in  the  midst  of  his  brilliant 
career. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  his  afflicted  wife  and  his  fond  father 
and  numerous  relatives,  our  most  sincere  condolence  in  this  their  sore 
bereavement. 

Rtxolredy  That  a  copy  of  these  proceedings  be  sent  to  his  wife  and 
his  father,  and  be  transmitted  for  publication  to  the  papers  of  this 
State. 

Mr.  Lander  remarked  that  he  did  not  arise  to  pronounce  a 


euology  on  his  deceased  friend,  whom  he  knew  from  child- 
hood to  his  death,  but  to  make  some  brief  statements  of  his 
history  In  May,  1837,  in  the  town  of  Lincolnton,  in  three 
days  of  each  other,  were  born  two  children,  who  were  one  day 
to  shed  lustre  on  their  country's  history,  and  to  win  ior  them- 
selves an  immortal  fame.  In  boyhood  they  were  warm  and 
devoted  friends,  and  were  noted  for  their  sacred  obedience  to 
their  parents  and  their  pure  moral  character.  They  came  to 
manhood,  the  one  a  member  of  the  Episcopal,  and  the  other 
of  the  Presbyterian  church.  For  awhile  they  were  separated, 
until  the  mighty  struggle  for  our  indepedence  came,  when 
again  they  w^ere  found  side  by  side  for  three  years  of  bloody 
strife  in  the  defence  of  our  rights  and  liberty — now  we  alas! 
must  sever  their  history — General  Ramseur  now  lies  in  his 
grave,  a  noble  sacrifice  to  the  glorious  cause  which  General 
Robert  F.  Hoke  still  lives  to  defend. 

General  Ramseur  entered  West  Point  in  1855  and  graduated 
in  1860,  when  he  was  assigned  to  duty  in  the  artillery  of  the 
United  States  army.  When  Lincoln  issued  his  Proclamation 
he  resigned  his  commission  and  was  appointed  a  Lieutenant 
in  artillery ;  but  while  at  Montgomery  he  received  the  com- 
mission of  the  Ellis  Artillery  at  Raleigh,  and  chose  to  resign 
his  commission  in  the  regular  army  and  aid  in  organizing  our 
State  forces,  which  were  then  being  called  to  the  field.  He 
was  present  with  his  battery  and  fired  the  salute  in  Capitol 
square  which  announced  that  we  had  seceded  from  the  Union. 
He  was  soon  promoted  to  a  Major,  and  ordered  to  Smithfield, 
on  the  James,  where  he  remained  until  the  Peninsula  cam- 
paign. He  was  then  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  artillery 
in  General  McLaw's  division.  While  so  acting  he  was  elected 
Colonel  of  the  49th  North  Carolina  Troops,  and  hastened  to 
organize  them  at  Raleigh.  He  was  assigned  to  General  Rob- 
ert Ransom's  brigade,  and  soon  was  called  to  the  defence  of 
Richmond.  He  participated  in  the  attacks  on  McClellan ;  and 
at  Malvern  Hill  while  acting  with  conspicuous  gallantry  was 
severely  wounded  in  his  right  arm,  and  was  disabled  for  duty. 
While  at  home  he  received  from  President  Davis  the  commis- 
sion as  Brigadier  General  and  was  assigned  to  the  command 
of  the  lamented  Anderson.     At  Chancellorsville  he  was  under 


Jackson  in  his  celebrated  flank  movement,  and  won  for  him- 
self iinperishal)le  >?lory  in  one  of  the  most  brilliant  charfjcs  of 
the  war,  which  at  once  marked  him  as  one  of  the  best  Gener 
als  of  the  army.  At  Gettysburu,  by  a  most  skillful  movement 
on  the  battle  field  he  re-captun-d  many  of  oiir  prisoners, 
and  was  first  to  enter  the  town,  he  again  added  greatly 
to  his  reputation.  At  the  Wilderness  and  Spotsylvania,  he 
participated  largely,  and  for  his  heroic  conduct  at  the  bloody 
salient  where  General  Edward  Johnston  was  captured,  he  was 
promoted  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  Early's  division, 
which  was  soon  ordered  to  the  Valley.  While  there,  he,  for 
a  moment,  suffered  from  the  false  and  licentious  charges  made 
upon  his  conduct  at  Winciioster,  where  his  division  suffered 
a  rout,  notwithstanding  his  fearless  and  dangerous  exposure 
of  himself  in  attem|)ting  to  rally  his  troops;  but  this  was 
soon  dissipated  by  the  stern  voice  of  truth,  which  ex<merated 
him  and  placed  blame  where  it  belonged.  On  the  death  of 
the  lamented  Rodes,  he  succeeded  to  his  position  in  the 
division,  to  which  he  liad  formerly  belonged,  and  wliiie  lead- 
ing his  division  victoriously  against  the  enemy,  he  fell 
mortally  wounded  by  a  shot  through  the  right  lung.  Mr. 
Chairman,  this  is  his  history — the  history  of  one  of  the  most 
amiable  men  and  brilliant  soldiers  that  has  yet  offered  himself 
on  his  country's  altar.  He  was  my  friend,  intimately  so,  and 
I  weep  for  him.  He  was  our  country's  friend,  and  we  should 
all  st)rrow  for  him. 

Maj.  Allen  B.  Magruder  then  paid  a  mo.st  beautiful  tribute 
to  the  memory  of  Gen.  Ramseur,  sketching  his  social  char- 
acter, as  follows: 

Mr.  Ch.mrman — I  cannot  permit  the  present  occasion  to  pass  by 
without  uniting  my  voice  in  sympathy  witli  that  deep  current  of  feel- 
ing which  the  untimely  death  of  one  so  loved  and  honored  as  Gen. 
Ramseur,  has  so  naturally  called  for  in  this  community.  I  feel,  too, 
that  I  may,  without  intrusion,  claim  the  indulgence  ofthis  meeting; 
for,  although  comi)aratively  a  stranger  here,  1  enjoyed  the  advantage 
of  an  intimate  acquaintance  with  tlie  lamented  dead  before  1  knew 
his  home  and  kindred  in  this,  his  native  State.  It  was  my  good  for- 
tune to  know  him  in  the  morning  freshness  of  his  bright  career.  He 
had  just  graduated  at  the  military  academy  at  West  Point,  and  enter- 
ed upon  the  profession  of  arms — that  stern  vocation  which  he  illus- 
trated by  heroic  deeds,  and  has  now  ennobled  by  his  devotion  even 
unto  death.  It  was  amid  the  festive  scenes  of  the  national  metropolis 
that  I  first  knew  him.     He  was  stationed,  for  a  time,  in  Washington 


10 

city,  and  was  attached  to  a  battery  of  light  artillery — my  relations  to 
the  commander  of  which  brought  me  into  intimate  daily  intercourse 
with  him.  He  was  sometimes  my  guest,  and  I  mingled  freely  with 
him  in  those  social  scenes  in  which  he  showed  to  such  advantage.  I 
had  thus  the  opportunity  of  knowing  his  merit  and  appreciating  those 
high  qualities  which  adorned  his  character.  Possessed  of  great  per- 
sonal gifts  and  attractions — of  a  noble  aspect  and  graceful  form — of 
fascinating  manners,  ever  kind  and  gentle  in  his  intercourse  with 
others,  intelligent  and  cultivated  in  intellect,  he  presented  to  us  an 
embodiment  of  all  those  qualities  and  accomplishments  in  person, 
mind  and  manners,  which  we  most  admire  in  man. 

About  this  time  the  storm  of  war-  -then  no  bigger  than  a  man's 
hand  which  the  prophet  saw  in  the  distance — swept  across  our  horizon 
and  suddenly  burst  in  fury  on  our  beloved  country.  In  its  lowering 
darkness  I  lost  sight  of  him  for  a  time.  I  afterwards  learned  that  with 
characteristic  devotion  and  fidelity,  he  had  repaired  to  his  native 
State,  and  offered  his  sword  in  defence  of  her  rights.  Subsequently 
we  met  again.  I  well  remember  the  occasion.  It  was  while  he  was 
on  the  march  to  the  Virginia  Peninsula,  in  command  of  the  battery 
of  artillery  which  was  afterwards  so  honorably  associated  with  his 
name.  He  had  landed  at  King's  Hill  wharf,  on  James  river,  and  was 
proceeding  to  report  for  duty  at  headquarters  of  the  army  of  the  Pe- 
ninsula, of  which  I  was  at  the  time  a  staff  officer.  On  the  summit  of 
one  of  those  noble  hills,  which  overlook  the  broad  waters  of  the 
James,  I  met  the  battery— not  the  battery  I  had  known  him  with  in 
Washington — but  another,  as  complete  and  efficient  in  equipment, 
and  more  excellent  in  that  it  was  dedicated  to  the  cause  of  freedom. 
I  see  a  gentleman — now  in  my  eye— himself  a  brave  and  gallant  sol- 
dier, who  bears  in  his  person  the  marks  of  his  devotion  to  duty  in  the 
hour  of  peril,  who  will  no  doubt  remember  our  meeting.  I  allude  to 
Capt.  George  Phifer,  at  that  time  on  the  staff  of  his  gallant  kinsman's 
(Ramseur's)  battery,  which  won  the  praise  of  all  who  witnessed  its 
discipline  and  drill.  In  all  the  elements  of  complete  organization  and 
equipment— in  its  splendid  appointments  and  its  skilled  evolutions, 
it  was  a  model.  This  was  due,  we  all  know,  to  the  ability,  the  profes- 
sional genius,  the  untiring  energy  and  the  soldierly  pride  of  its  chiv- 
alrous commander. 

As  an  artillery  ofiicer  he  was  a  martinet—so  apt  and  successful  indeed 
that  he  was  not  long  permitted  to  remain  in  command  of  a  single 
battery.  I  remember  that,  by  the  special  order  of  the  commanding 
general,  he  was  placed  in  command  of  a  battalion  of  light  artillery, 
and  entrusted  with  the  arduous  duty  of  organizing  the  drill  and  evo- 
lutions in  lines  of  batteries — the  French  system  of  artillery  tactics— 
not  generally  known  in  our  service.  Afterwards,  as  we  know,  he  was 
appointed  to  the  command  of  the  49th  regiment  of  North  Carolina 
troops— a  position  in  which  he  gave  further  proof  of  his  rare  talents 
and  aptitude  for  military  life.  In  the  terrible  conflict  of  Malvern  Hill, 
Col.  Ramseur  gallantly  led  his  regiment  under  a  perfect  tempest  of 
balls,  shot  and  shell,  and  won  the  official  commendation  of  his  supe- 
riors. Here  he  received  that  severe  wound  which  held  him,  for  a 
time,  in  painful  inaction,  and  from  the  effects  of  which  he  never  fully 
recovered. 

It  is  not  wonderful  that  an  officer  of  such  promise  and  ability  met 
with  speedy  promotion,  for  it  was  not  long  after  that  he  was  made  a 
Brigadier  General.  Rising  steadily  and  rapid  1)^- always  snatching 
from  opportunity  the  fame  which  merit  entitled  him  to  win,  he  soon 
became  a  Major  General,  and  commanded  his  division  in  the  battle  in 


11 

which  he  mot  his  lamented  but  heroic  death.  Truly  may  we  appro- 
priate to  him  the  words  of  the  preat  poet  of  our  language,  in  describing 
one  of  the  priiu-esi  of  tlie  house  of  Plantagenet: 

"In  war  was  never  lion  raped  more  fierce; 
In  peace  was  never  pentle  lamb  more  mild 
Than  was  that  younjiaQd  princely  gentleman." 

It  ifl  sad— mournful  to  think,  that  at  puch  a  time  os  this,  such  a  man 
is  lost  to  us.  It  is  a  sad  and  bitter,  but  still  a  wise  lesson  we  are  taufrht 
by  the  event.  It  impresses  us  witli  tlie  brevity  an('  vanity  of  human 
life,  anil  the  instabilitv  of  all  liuman  greatness.  The  good  name  and 
the  dear  memorv  of  our  friend  and  countryman  remain  to  us  as  a  pre- 
cious legacy.  We  will  cherish  botli  with  affectionate  regard,  for  m  all 
the  relations  of  life  he  was  without  fear  and  without  rei)roach.  All 
honor  to  his  memory  :  peace  to  his  ashes.  May  death  and  glory  keep 
around  his  tomb  one  eternal  Sabbath. 

Col.  W.  J.  Hoke  also  reviewed  his  military  history  as  it 
came  under  his  personal  observation  in  the  campaign,  and 
related  some  toucliing  incidents  of  his  bravery  in  baitle,  his 
kindness  in  camp,  and  his  sympathetic  care  for  his  wounded 
and  sick. 

L.  E.  Thompson,  Esq.,  remarked  : 

It  is  with  a  melancholy  pleasure,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  I  respond  to 
the  resolutions  that  have  just  been  read.  It  is  melancholy,  sir,  be- 
cause thev  inform  me  of  the  untimely  death  of  one  whom  I  had  long 
regarded  "as  a  friend.  I  had  known  him  well  and  intimately,  and  had 
watched  him  as  he  passed  on  the  current  of  time  from  infancy  to 
vouth,  and  from  vouth  to  manhood  ;  and  I  thought  I  saw  in  him  at  an 
early  age  the  germ  of  usefulness  to  his  country  and  honor  to  himself. 
It  is  melancholv  because  his  death  has  made  a  void  that  can  never  be 
filled  around  manv  a  fireside,  and  has  caused  a  flow  of  tears  that  can- 
not soon  be  dried".  It  is  melancholy,  sir,  because  in  his  decease  our 
common  country  has  lost  a  soldier  of  more  than  ordinary  merit,  and 
who  had  pledged  his  every  effort  and  his  life  to  that  country's  cause. 
But  still  amid  this  woe  there  is  a  pleasure  in  giving  a  response  to  the 
resolutions,  for  thev  record  the  merits  of  my  friend,  and  do,  to  some 
extent  at  least,  justice  to  his  manly  life  and  honorable  death  ;  and  be- 
cause thev  allow  me  an  opportunity,  in  this  his  .lative  place,  to  mingle 
a  few  words  of  sorrow  with  the  deeper  grief  of  his  nearest  and  dearest 
friends. 

No  one  else  responding  further  to  the  resolutions,  Judge 

Osborne  said  : 

He  hoped  it  would  not  be  inappropriate  in  him,  though  a  citizen  of 
another  county,  to  mingle  in  the  general  feeling  which  pervades  this 
community.  "His  acquaintance  with  the  distinguished  soldier,  in 
honor  of  whose  memory  this  a.ssemblage  has  been  called,  began  with 
his  military  service  in  fhe  Confederate  States.  He  was  placed  by  the 
Executive  "of  North  Carolina  in  command  of  a  company  of  artillery, 
which  in  its  organization  and  equipment  was  justly  the  pride  of  all 
the  contributions  made  by  the  State  to  the  common  cause, 


12 

Understanding  thoroughly  the  requisites  of  this  branch  of  the  ser- 
vice, he  addressed  himself  with  ardor,  energy  and  perseverance  to  its 
order  and  discipline ;  and  although  he  was  soon  transferred  to  other 
spheres  of  service,  under  other  commanders,  the  battery  has  rendered, 
in  all  the  great  conflicts  of  tliis  war,  constant  and  unsurpassed  service. 

The  qualities  of  the  young  soldier  attracted  attention  at  an  early 
day,  and  advancement,  steady  and  rapid,  waited  on  his  steps,  as  occa- 
sions gave  opportunity  for  the  exhibition  of  his  military  talents,  until 
he  attained  the  distinguished  position  in  which  he  offered  up  his  life 
for  his  country.  The  character  of  Gen.  Ramseur  presents  a  most  in- 
teresting subject  of  study. 

He  blended  in  his  nature  all  those  qualities  which  fascinate  by  their 
loveliness,  with  those  which,  by  authority  and  force,  command  admi- 
ration and  applause— like  those  most  attractive  scenes  in  nature  which 
awaken  our  ever  varying  emotions  by  striking  diversities  of  objects 
placed  in  immediate  juxtaposition,  "where  beauty  is  embosomed  in 
the  lap  of  grandeur,"  and  flowers  and  shade  and  verdure  contrast  with 
mountains  and  forests,  and  those  wonderful  displays  of  majesty  and 
form  which  inspire  awe  and  terror.  In  the  associations  of  civil  life 
we  could  scarcely  realize  that  one  as  amiable,  whose  temper  and  dis- 
position seemed  to  be  almost  formed  in  the  model  of  female  loveli- 
ness, could  wield  the  arm  of  authority  over  contending  hosts,  and  be 
the  foremost,  the  most  persevering,  the  most  daring  of  leaders  on  the 
field  of  battle.  His  heart  was  alive  to  every  gentle  emotion,  to  every 
tender  sympathy,  but  his  energies  rose  with  accumulating  difficulties, 
and  his  self-possession  never  faltered  in  the  midst  of  danger  and  car- 
nage. One  trait  of  character  which  was  the  master  principle  of  his 
life  gave  to  him  all  that  was  impressive  and  commanding.  It  was  an 
ever  present  sense  of  duty.  He  was  never  surprised  into  a  forgetful- 
ness  of  his  moral  obligations — the  principles  of  Christianity  found  in 
bis  nature  a  congenial  soil;  he,  without  difficulty,  yielded  himself  to 
their  control  and  regulated  his  conduct  by  their  authority ;  and  this 
made  him  a  hero  of  the  highest  type,  because  he  was  a  christian  hero. 
He  believed  in  Christ,  he  had  faith  in  goodness,  truth  and  duty  and 
their  everlasting  rewards.  The  death  of  such  a  man  in  the  service  of 
his  country,  in  the  appointed  sphere  of  his  duty,  is  accompanied  by 
every  thing  which  is  glorious  on  earth  and  every  thing  which  is  hope- 
ful in  immortality.  It  is  but  the  call  to  come  up  higher,  to  a  higher 
sphere  and  more  enduring  honor.  It  brings  to  us  all  a  most  instruc- 
tive lesson,  and  urges  each  of  us  in  the  station  which  we  are  appointed 
to  be  brave,  faithful  and  diligent ;  and  hope  for  no  higher  triumph 
when  death  shall  find  us,  than  we  died  discharging  our  duty. 

The  resolutions  were  unanimously  passed,  and  the  meeting 
adjourned. 


[From  the  North  Carolina  Presbyterian]. 

GEN.  S.  D.  RAMSEUR. 


Action  of  the  Session  of  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Lincolnton  in  reference  to 
the  death  of  the  late  Maj.  General  S.  D.  Ramseur. 

This  body  deems  it  due  to  the  memory  of  the  gifted  and 
lamented  dead,  to  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member,  and 


13 

to  the  country  to  which  he  devoted  his  life,  to  present  to  the 
public  their  hifjh  appreciation  of  iiis  worth. 

Steplieu  Dodson  Kaniseur  was  born  in  tlie  town  of  Lincoln- 
ton,  N.  C,  on  the  31st  of  May,  1837.  His  parents  were  Mr. 
Jacob  A.  and  Mrs.  Lucy  M.  Raraseur.  He  was  a  child  of  the 
covenant,  and  was  early  instructed  in  the  great  principles  of  our 
holy  religion.  As  a  son,  he  learned  and  j)racticed  obedience 
to  parental  authority,  and  home  was  always  the  place  of  his 
chief  attraction.  The  most  dangerous  hours  for  village  boys 
found  him  at  home,  surrounded  by  the  healthful  influences 
of  a  ha|)py  family,  and  engaged  either  in  the  perusal  of  his 
juvenile  books,  or  in  the  innocent  sports  of  boyhood. 

In  due  time  he  entered  upon  a  course  of  liberal  education, 
and  afterwards  pursued  his  studies  with  great  success  at  David- 
son College.  After  remaining  there  for  some  time,  and  wish- 
ing to  turn  his  attention  to  the  study  of  military  affairs,  he 
was  entered  as  a  Cadet  in  the  Academy  at  West  Point.  Here 
he  remained  during  the  then  extended  time  of  five  years,  and 
graduated  with  high  standing,  and  received  the  commission  of 
Lieutenant.  Before  the  actual  outbreaking  of  the  present 
war,  he  resigned  his  Lieutenancy,  and  tendered  his  services  to 
his  native  State.  By  his  skill  and  distinguished  ability  as  a 
commander  especially  in  the  terrific  conflicts  at  Malvern  Hill, 
Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg,  Wilderness,  and  Spottsylvania 
C.  H.,  as  well  as  by  his  noble  bearing  as  a  gentleman,  he  was 
rapidly  i)romoted  until  he  reached  the  rank  of  Major  General; 
in  the  faithful  discharge  of  which  office,  he  fell  on  the  19th  of 
Oct.  1864,  while  encouraging  and  gallantry  leading  his  troops 
in  one  of  the  fiercest  conflicts  of  the  war. 

But,  whilst  actively  engaged  in  preparation  for  the  duties  of 
life,  and  in  the  diligent  cultivation  of  his  mind,  he  did  not 
neglect  the  education  of  his  heart.  The  "  one  thing  needful " 
demanded  and  received  his  early  attention.  On  the  22nd  day 
of  Apiil,  1855,  after  a  careful  examination  as  to  his  personal 
piety,  he  was  received  into  the  communion  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  of  Lincolnton.  He  believed  the  testimony  of  God. 
He  accej)ted  the  gospel  as  the  wisdom  of  God,  and  the  power 
of  God  unto  his  salvation.  He  received  it  as  a  "faithful  say- 
ing, and  worthy  of  his"  most  cordial  "acceptation,  that  Christ 


14 

Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners."  Convinced  of 
his  own  unworthiness  and  inabihty,  and  conscious  of  the  in- 
finite sufficiency  of  the  blood  of  Christ;  discarding  every  hope, 
and  renouncing  every  trust,  except  those  which  the  gospel 
presents,  he  yielded  to  its  claims,  and  rested  upon  its  provis- 
ions. During  the  last  eventful  year,  especially,  his  christian 
graces  revived  and  expanded.  The  precious  fruits  of  the  tree 
of  godliness  gradually  matured  before  they  were  rudely  shaken 
to  the  ground.  Prayer  with  him  had  become  a  habit  and  a 
pleasure,  and  he  was  a  firm  believer  in  its  efficacy.  The  word 
of  God  was  his  great  text  book,  and  his  private  correspondence 
exhibits  a  most  extensive  knowledge  of  its  contents,  as  well  as 
a  wonderful  facility  of  apt  and  appropriate  quotation. 

Gen.  Ramseur  loved  the  church  of  his  own  choice.  He 
received  her  doctrines,  and  admired  the  scriptural  simplicity 
of  her  order  and  worship.  The  qualities  of  his  mind  were 
such  as,  unaided  by  the  graces  of  the  Spirit,  went  to  constitute 
he  nobleman  of  nature;  but  with  these  graces,  they  made  him 
at  once  "the  highest  style  of  man."  With  a  heart  naturally 
tender,  generous  and  afiectionate,  endowed  with  a  high  order 
of  intellect,  cultivated  with  diligence,  and  polished  with  care 
— amiable,  gentle,  and  winning  in  his  manners;  patriotic, 
courageous  and  gallant  to  a  fault,  with  noble  aspirations  for 
an  honorable  name,  and  lofty  desires  to  be  a  benefactor — his- 
tory will  record  his  success,  when  she  writes  out  the  purity  of 
the  man  and  the  deeds  of  his  daring. 

Sustained  by  that  faith  which  unites  to  the  living  Head^ 
animated  by  a  "  lively  hope  "  which  allured  him  to  a  better 
world,  he  died  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  "  his  end  was 
peace." 

Life's  duty  done,  as  sinks  the  clay, 
Light  from  its  load,  the  spirit  flies , 

While  heaven  and  earth  combine  to  say. 
How  blest  the  righteous  when  he  dies." 

Rev.  R.  N.  Davis,    Moderator. 
James  T.  Alexander, 

W.  H.  MiCHAL, 

A.  McCoy, 
John  F.  Phifer, 
Wm.  Tiddy. 


15 


IN  MEMORIAM. 

How  beautiful  in  death 

The  Warrior's  course  appears — 
Embalmed  by  fond  allection's  breath, 

And  bathed  in  woman's  tears, 

To-day  we  have  parted  with  the  last  remains  of  Gen.  S.  D. 
Raraseur.  Not  an  uneasy  resting  place  in  thine  enemy's 
country,  oh,  gallant  Ramseur !  but  here  in  our  midst,  who  have 
known  and  loved  thee— in  the  old  church  yard,  near  that 
dear,  good  mother,  whose  strong  love  even  in  death,  can  draw 
■  thee  to  her  side,  shalt  thou  find  thy  rest. 

Alas!  our  friend  is  gone  and  we  shall  see  his  face  no  more, 
no  more.     The  past  is  all  that  is  left  us  of  him  on  earth.     We 
look  back  on  our  childhood's  days;  and  childhood's  sports, 
and  think  with  loving  regret  of  the  little  arm,  which  was  ever 
strong  to  shield  or  uphold  those  whose  weakness  claimed  its 
protection ;  for  that  heart  was  as  brave  and  chivalric  then  on 
that  childish  field  of  action,  as  since  in  the  terrible  contest 
through  which  it  has  passed.     Later  came  memories  not  less 
touching,  of  our  joyful  meetings  (after  short  separations)  in 
the  summer  holidays,  where  thy  glad,  bright  spirit,  old  friend 
and  playmate,  gave  tenfold  increase  to  our  delightful  enjoy- 
ments.    Yesterday  for  the  first  time,  he  passed,  cold,  silent 
and  unheeding  us  as  we  stood  sad  and  tearful,  where  we  had 
so  often  gathered  before  to  welcome  him  with  smiles.     And 
now  he  will  need  neither  smiles  nor  tears  to  welcome  him 
again.     He  will  return  to  us  no  more.     The  past  is  all  that  is 
left  us  of  him  on  earth.     But  oh !  what  a  bright,  glowing,  im- 
perishable record— that  past  is  of  glorious  deeds  achieved  in 
his  country's  name  and  for  her  defence,  on   many  a  hard 
fought  battle  field ;  and  of  sufl'ering  intense  most  willingly  and 
cheerfully  endured  for  her  sake.     Alas !  he  has  fought  his  last 
battle.     He  can  fight  no  more,  nor  suffer  wounds  of  heart  or 
body,  for  his  beloved  country's  sake.     He  has  laid  his  life  a 
sacrifice  upon  the  altar  of  that  country,  and  left  the  tenderest 
ties  which  could  make  that  life  dear  to  him. 


16 

Father,  sisters,  brothers,  wife — and  oh!  anguish  unspeakable, 
his  child;  his  little  daughter,  whom  he  had  never  seen,  nor 
clasped  to  his  heart  before  he  relinquished  her  forever — 
yet  not  forever,  thank  God.  A  day  will  yet  come  to  this  dark 
night  of  sorrow,  where  there  will  be  no  more  parting — no 
more  tears;  when  the  anguish  of  this  hour  will  be  forgotten  in 
the  glorious  triumph  of  love  undying  over  Death  and  the 
Grave. 

"  For  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are 
not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which  shall  be 
revealed  in  us." 

Miss  Laura  Alexander. 
Lincolnton,  N.  C,  Nov.  7,  1864. 


[From  the  Carolina  Times]. 

Mr.  Editor :  The  following  beautiful  and  touching  lines, 
accompanied  a  wreath  of  evergreen,  which  was  laid  c  n  the 
coffin  of  Gen.  Ramseur.  They  are  the  production  of  an 
elegant  and  accomplished  lady,  well  known  for  her  gifted 
genius  and  intellectual  attainments — will  you  please  publish? 

"  IMPROMPTU. " 

MAJ.  GEN.  S.  D.  RAMSEUR. 


A  wreath  for  the  honored  dead, 

The  gallant  and  the  brave. 
A  wreath  of  living,  fadeless  evergreen, 

For  the  youthful  Hero's  grave. 

A  wreath  for  the  gifted  dead, 

As  fadeless  as  his  name ; 
A  name  inscribed  in  lines  of  light, 

On  the  proudest  scroll  of  Fame. 

A  wreath  for  the  cherished  dead, 
Embalmed  with  the  tears  and  sighs 

That  the  bleeding  heart  of  affection  sheds 
When  the  loved  and  cherished  dies. 


17 

A  wreath  for  the  plorious  dead, 

The  noble,' f^ifted  hrave, 
A  star  from  liis  country's  eky  has  fallen, 

A  nation  weeps  o'er  his  grave. 

Mrs.  M.  C.  Munroe,  of  Charleston,  S.  C. 
November  6,  1864. 


[From(the  Confederate]. 
GENERAL  S.  D.  RAMSEUR. 


BY    PELLOY. 

There  are  aome'moments  when  the'human  heart, 

However  stout,  must  weep  some  friend  laid  low, 
When  death  with  icy  hand  has  come  to  part 

One  whom  we  love  and  honor  here  below  ; 

And  when  he  shoots  the  cool  dart  from  his  bow, 
And  chills  foreverraore  the  bounding  blood, 

And  sets  his  withering  seal  upon  the  brow 
Which  marks  it  for  the  earth-worm's  future  food  ; 
Then  heartfelt, sorrow  weeps  where  mirth  before  had  stood. 

There  are  some  moments  when  a  nation's  heart 

Is  wrung  with  anguish  to  its  inner  core. 
When  joys  on  pinions  wild  is  seen  to  start. 

And  wing  its  flight  to  some  far  distant  shore ; 

When  wailing  dirges  rise  where  oft  before 
Themi<lnight  revel  rose  with  noisy  glee  ; 

When  million  bitter  tears  are  known  to  pour 
On  earth  which  covers  for  eternity. 
One  of  her  gallant  sons  who  died  to  make  her  free. 

Such  was  the  homage  paid  to  one  who  fell 

From  his  high  place  into  the  lonely  grave  ; 
In  each  true  patriot's  heart  there  is  a  cell 

Which  keeps  his  memory  green  as  ocean  wave  ; 

His  dust  may  crumble  in  the  grass-clad  grave 
Where  he  lies  lifeless  now  without  a  thought, 

His  memory  watered  by  our  tears  will  brave 
Oblivion's  lowering  shades  ;  and  how  he  fought 
Will  be  on  History's  page  in  glowing  letters  wrought. 


18 

O-  Moloch  !  cruel  god  of  war,  was  not 

Great  Jackson's  blood  enough  to  quench  the  fire 
That  raged  within  your  heart  ?  must  you  now  blot 

From  out  that  scroll  of  names  which  all  admire, 

Another  victim  to  your  fell  desire? 
Must  there  again  come  tolling  in  our  ear 

The  death  knell  swelling  in  our  hearts'  deep  lyre? 
Well  may  you  at  your  bloody  action  leer. 
You  could  not  choose  another  man  we  held  more  dear. 

His  form  was  ever  foremost  in  the  fight, 

His  voice  oft  heard  above  the  battle's  roar ; 
He  fought  triumphant,  conscious  of  the  right, 

As  his  forefathers  fought  in  the  days  of  yore. 

Although  misfortune's  dark  night  seemed  to  lower. 
He  hoped  to  see  his  country's  wounds  all  healed, 

And  freedom's  sun  dispel  the  mist  which  o'er 
The  land  hung  damp ;  with  Justice  for  his  shield, 
He  rushed  to  meet  grim  battle  on  the  bloody  field. 

Oppression  still  was  clamoring  at  the  door 

To  gain  admittance  and  revenge  delay, 
Uncertainty  made  every  bosom  sore 

That  tried  to  drive  solicitude  away. 

Such  was  the  anxious  time  when  his  bright  day 
Was  turned  to  night  by  Death's  dark  sudden  clasp 

The  monster  met  him  in  the  war  cloud  gray  ; 
With  crushing  fingers  his  brave  breast  he  grasped 
And  changed  his  battle  cry  to  dying  gasp. 

His  noble  form  is  mouldering  in  the  dust, 

His  weary  soul  is  high  above  the  earth, 
His  fame  alone  remains  to  keep  from  rust, 

And  that  is  all  that's  left  of  Ramseur's  worth  ; 

Then  of  bright  fame  shall  there  be  any  dearth  ? 
This,  this  is  all  of  homage  we  can  show ! 

No !  let  the  land  that  gave  him  birth,  give  birth 
To  those  who'll  ne'er  forget  how  much  they  owe, 
To  one  who  gave  his  life  to  ease  his  country's  woe. 

Aivthor  unkn 


19 


IN   MKMOKV  OK  (iEN.  S.  D.  RAMSEUR. 


The  following  beautiful  poem  from  the  pen  of  a  gifted  lady 
of  Virginia,  though  not  intended  for  publication,  is  thought  to 
merit  a  more  extended  perusal  than  it  could  obtain  in  manu- 
script; an  opinion  in  which  we  heartily  concur,  and,  we  there- 
fore, most  cheerfully  give  the  poem  a  place  in  our  columns. 
—Ed.  Bidletin,  Charlotte,  X.  C 

Harp  of  the  South  I  whose  melancholy  note, 

Rings  a  sad  sweetness  through  the  ruins  of  time, 
Methinks  God's  angels  that  around  thee  float. 

Now  strike  a  holier,  loftier  hymn  ; 
A  Hymn  which  while  creation  yet  was  stilled, 
Foretold  that  man  was  God 
Indwelling  in  the  sod. 
And  now,  oh  man!  behold  it.all  fulfilled  ; 

Go  read  the  life  of  him  just  sunk  to  rest. 

And,  see  in  God  a  Christian  patriot  blessed. 

We  can  but  weep,  the  notes  that  sweetly  ring. 

Though  angel  notes,  to  us  so  plaintive  are 
Such  notes  as  would  night's  chanting  Pleiades  sing, 

To  welcome  back  their  lost,  long  wandering  star. 
But  that  orb  in  its  other  home  a  void  must  leave. 
And  from  those  distant  spheres 
Soft  clouds  collect  the  tears. 
Where  stars  forevermore  an  absence  grieve ; 

'Tis  thus  we  mourn  a  star  to  earth  once  given, 

'Tis  thus  the  angels  sing  a  star  come  back  to  heaven. 

What  pen  of  man  may  draw  the  patriot's  soul  ? 

What  eye  doth  God  permit  to  see  its  fire? 
But  its  high  thoughts  in  pealing  anthems  roll, 

Struck  from  eternity's  rapt  lyre, 
And  forth  his  deeds  go  sounding  evermore. 
And  when  the  dead  that  sleep, 
AVhere  angels  vigils  keep. 
Shall  wake  to  walk  their  native,  heavenly  shore. 

They  too  shall  catch  and  chant  the  immortal  song, 

For  to  these  and  God  this  patriot's  deeds  belong. 


20 

Droop  down  ye  Southern  banners/while  the  gale 
Sweeps  with  a  moan  around  Virginia's  hall,* 

Tell  to  the  cruel  world,  ye  winds  the  tale, 
Of  the  warrior  resting  in  his  pall. 

Just  heaven,  forgive  the  vengeance  in  our  soul, 
For  the  torn  Southern  heart. 
Would  with  life  freely  part. 
That  the  black  clouds  of  destruction  might  unroll. 
Break  forth  on  the  head  of  the  Merciless  foe, 
And  crush  him  forever  in  i^itiless  woe. 

Virginia,  his  blood  on  thy  bosom  was  left, 

As  he  fought  for  thy  honor  and  life- 
Weep  mother  of  States !  of  thy  guardian  bereft, 

In  the  dark  hour  of  vengeance  and  strife. 
But  that  blood  which  is  staining  thy  breast. 
Through  thy  veins  shall  flow 
With  a  furnace  red  glow, 
And  thy  being  shall  know  never  an  hour  of  rest, 

'Till  he  be  avenged  whose  knell  has  just  tolled. 

Who  lies  on  earth's  bosom  so  helpless,  so  cold. 

Yes,  Virginia  shall  give  to  thy  foes, 

A  dread  death  more  eternal  than  thine; 
Her  prowess  shall  gather  thy  enemy's  woes. 

And  offer  them  up  on  Nemesis'  shrine. 
And  her  tearful  eyes  with  a  softened  light, 
Shall  turn  when  she  weeps, 
That  her  loved  early  sleeps, 
In  death's  long,  dreamless  hours  of  night. 

And  that  young  bride  shall  yet  love  the  soil  where  he  fell, 

Virginia,  whose  rich  annals  his  bright  deeds  shall  tell, 

Ye  soldiers  !  whom  Ramseur  the  gallant,  on  led, 
Why  weep  that  so  noble  a  chieftain  is  gone? 

Hark !  list  to  the  beckoning  spirits  tread, 
It  woos  ye  to  rise,  be  men,  hasten  on. 

Ye  men  of  his  pride,  ye  men  of  his  love. 
Look  at  his  native  land, 
See  where  her  spoilers  stand. 

By  the  blows  ye  strike  for  her  your  sorrow  prove  ; 
Spirit  of  Ramseur!  see  they  brush  away  the  tear, 
And  the  battle  tells  how  was  thy  memory  dear. 

Thou  old  Carolina,  fair  State  of  his  pride, 
Whom  his  fathers  revered  with  patriot  love. 


•21 

Who  may  tell  his  warm  prayers  at  lejiving  thy  side, 

He  jinrjx).>ieil  tliv  unwasted  valor  to  j)rove? 
Ami  the  laurels  that  on  the  young  hoMIit's  brow  lay, 
As  he  sunk  to  his  rest. 
Were  as  fair  as  those  pressed. 
In  thine  am-ient,  heroic,  eolonial  day. 
And  the  star  of  thy  glory,  that  rose  bright  in  that  hour. 
Brave  Raniseur  beheld  reach  its  zenith  of  power. 

Oh  fair  Southern  land,  for  this  hero  why  weep? 

Wouldst  thou  call  him  to  earth  mid  her  tempest  of  wars? 
Bid  him  break  in  the  grave  the  sweet  waiting  sleep, 

And  tread  where  death's  black  river  flows  ? 
"Oh  God,"  let  each  heart  in  hymns  now  proclaim, 
"We  thank  Thee  for  the  call, 
Which  robed  in  death's  pall, 
The  warrior  who  leaving  to  us  his  bright  fame. 

Sought  a  chaplet  away  where  the  angels  on  high, 

Stood  to  crown  him  immortal  an  heir  of  the  sky." 

Miss  S.  B.  Valentine, 
Richmond,  Va. 


•  His  body  laid  in  the  Capitol  at  Richmond, 
Richmond,  Va.,  Oct.,  1864. 


22 


Personal  Recollections   of  General   Ramseur. 


General  Ramseur  was  shot  through  the  body  and  lungs.  It 
was  told  me  that  he  was  standing  on  the  ground  with  his  left 
arm  raised  to  his  horse's  mane  to  mount  when  the  ball  struck 
him  under  the  arm,  passing  entirely  through  to  the  right  side 
lodging  just  under  the  skin.  He  had  already  had  one  or  two 
horses  shot  from  under  him 

He  was  taken  to  General  Phil.  Sheridan's  Head-quarters? 
where  he  expired  on  Thursday,  October  20th,  1864,  about  10 
o'clock,  a.  m.  His  body  was  embalmed  by  his  old  comrades 
in  the  United  States  army  and  placed,  in  full  uniform,  in  a 
beautiful  coffin,  which  was  sent  to  "Old  Point,"  thence  up  the 
peninsula  to  the  Confederate  lines,  under  an  escort  of  honor 
and  delivered  to  the  hands  of  General  Robert  F.  Hoke. 

On  the  lapel  of  his  coat  was  a  small  bouquet  of  flowers, 
which  had  been  presented  to  him  by  a  lady  and  worn  all 
through  that  bloody  battle. 

In  his  side  pocket  was  his  purse  and  other  little  articles 
taken  from  his  person,  and  among  them  the  bullet  which 
killed  him.     These  were  given  to  his  wife. 

These  noble,  generous  acts  of  the  Federal  officers  deserve 
to  be  remembered  with  gratitude. 

The  face  appeared  quite  natural  and  was  in  placid  repose, 
though  somewhat  discolored  by  the  settling  blood.  His  hair 
was  always  thin  and  was  dropping  out,  threatening  baldness, 
and  he  had  had  it  cut  very  short  a  few  days  before  his  death. 
His  beard  was  long,  fine  and  silken,  beautiful  in  its  softness. 

I  met  his  remains  in  Charlotte.  They  came  from  Rich- 
mond Ilia  Danville,  to  Charlotte.  While  in  Charlotte  they 
were  in  state  at  the  residence  of  Col.  Lewis  Williams,  on  West 
Trade  street,  some  two  or  three  blocks  from  the  public  square, 
on  the  north  side. 

Just  outside,  and  west  of  the  old  cemetery  of  Emanuel's 
(or  the  "old  white")  Church,  in  Lincolnton,  where  the  Lu- 
therans and   German   Reformed   people  worshipped,  was  a 


2^ 

large  vault,  under  pround,  lined  with  granite,  built  by  the 
Hoke  fiiniily. 

In  this  vault  the  body  of  General  Raniseur  was  laid  tem- 
porarily. A  large  choir  of  twenty  or  thirty  ladies  and  gen- 
tlemen, led  by  Mr.  Hildreth  H.  Smith,  sang:  "Thou  art  gone 
to  the  grave"  as  the  collin  was  lowered  to  its  resting  place. 
An  immense  concourse  of  people  from  all  the  surrounding 
country  attended  the  funeral  and  nearly  all  wept  at  the  vault. 

General  Ramseur's  remains  were  subsequently  removed 
from  the  vault  and  buried  in  the  cemetery  of  the  Episcopal 
church. 

A  beautiful  marble  shaft,  with  appropriate  inscriptions, 
marks  the  spot. 

He  never  lived  to  see  his  daughter,  who  was  born  only  a 
few  days  before  he  received  his  mortal  wound. 

The  earl}'  boyhood  of  General  Kamseur  was  marked  by  an 
open,  generous,  frank  bearing;  he  was  free  from  envy,  devo- 
ted affectionately  to  his  friends  and  family  ;  happy  and  cheer- 
ful in  disposition,  and  fervently  fond  of  ladies'  society.  He 
was  handsome,  bright  and  companionable;  dressed  wuth 
scrupulous  neatness,  and  was  a  model  of  politeness. 

He  wai>  brave  to  a  fault,  a  fine  horseman,  a  good  shot,  and 
a  keen  sportsman.  He  never  indulged  in  petty  mischief,  so 
common  to  boys,  but  enjoyed  an  innocent  joke  even  at  his 
own  expense.  He  had  a  merry,  earnest  laugh  and  a  joyous 
face. 

I  was  once  seated  at  a  dinner  table  with  him  and  Miss 
Jennie  Gibbon,  sister  of  the  late  Major  General  Gibbon,  of 
the  United  States  Army,  while  General  Ramseur  was  at  home 
nursing  his  wound  received  at  Malvern  Hill.  He  was  then 
the  Colonel  of  the  49th  N.  C.  troops. 

In  response  to  some  narrative  of  his  army  experince,  one 
of  the  guests  playfully  said  :  "Colonel,  you  are  a  hard  case.''- 

Miss  Gibbon,  who  greatly  admired  him,  looked  smilingly 
around  and  retorted  : 

"Yes,  but  I  have  seen  many  a  sweet  kernel  in  a  hard  case." 

The  Colonel  clapped  his  hands  in  triumph  and  applauded 
Miss  Gibbon  enthusiastically. 

I  doubt  if  ever  a  finer  impromptu  pun  was  ever  made. 


24 

Miss  Gibbon  afterwards  married  a  United  States  officer. 

The  wound  which  Colonel"  Ramseur  received  at  Malvern 
Hill  severed  one  of  the  large  nerves  in  his  right  arm  and 
paralyzed  its  motion,  though  he  suffered  agonizing  pain  from 
it,  frequently  being  compelled  to  use  morphia  to  allay  it- 
This  wound  made  it  necessary  for  him  to  write  with  his  left 
hand  altogether  for  several  years  and  he  was  just  beginning 
to  recover  the  use  of  his  right  arm  when  he  was  killed.  He 
was  wounded  once  before  by  a  ball  through  his  left  forearm, 
and  once  on  the  foot  by  a  shell. 

As  illustrating  his  skillfulness  with  a  gun,  he  related  to  me 
that  on  one  occasion  a  Federal  scout  rode  at  a  seemingly  safe 
distance  from  his  line  reconnoitering  his  position.  He  order- 
ed his  sharpshooters  to  take  him  down,  but  all  their  shots 
were  in  vain.  The  General,  with  some  irritation,  called  for  a 
sharpshooter's  ritle  and  brought  down  the  scout  the  first  fire, 
and  then  rode  out  and  took  his  Burnside  rifle  from  him. 
This  he  sent  to  me  a?  a  trophy  and  I  still  have  it. 

On  another  occasion  a  Federal  sharpshooter,  concealed  in 
the  branches  of  a  pine  tree,  was  picking  off  his  officers  one 
by  one  and  defied  all  efforts  to  dislodge  him.  The  General 
watched  patiently  until  he  saw  the  puff  of  smoke  from  the 
Yankee  rifle  high  up  in  the  tree  and  the  next  moment  the 
sharpshooter  was  tumbling  from  his  lofty  abode,  another  vic- 
tim of  the  General's  unerring  aim.  He  used  to  laugh  heartily 
about  this  and  describe  the  surprise  he  gave  the  fellow  and 
how  ludicrously  he  came  down  the  tree. 

General  Ramseur  was  a  christian  upon  principle,  a  student 
of  the  Bible  and  strong  in  his  faith.  His  mother,  a  noble 
christian  lady,  had  eaply  instilled  into  his  mind  the  West- 
minster catechism,  and  he  knew  and  appreciated  it  thoroughly. 

My  correspondence  with  him  was  frequent,  free  and  full 
from  1855  to  his  death,  and  all  this  time  his  letters  breathe  a 
spirit  of  faith  and  love  towards  God,  which  is  of  the  most 
comforting  nature  to  his  friends.  Nothing  profane  or  obscene 
came  from  his  lips;  and  he  was  emphatically  "pure  in  heart." 

He  abhorred  the  newspaper  puffs,  gotten  up  to  make  a  false 
reputation  for  those  not  worthy  of  it.  He  had  great  con- 
tempt for  i)olitical  generals.     Indeed  to  such  an  extreme  did 


25 

he  carry  his  iiKxk'sty  in  tliis  respect  that  he  would  not  ;illo\v 
his  picture  to  be  taken  durinj;  the  war  lor  fear  it  would  be 
(lisplayeil  in  some  artist's  show  win(h)w,  and  it  was  only  alter 
mudi  piTsuiusion  that  he  consented  to  have  a  photoj,'r:iph 
taken  wliile  Major  of  Artillery  In-low  Petersburji;.  No  one  was 
allowed  to  copy  it. 

(ieneral  Raniseur  'iu)nored  his  tjither  and  mother,"  and 
when  misfortune  financially  befell  them,  he  never  received 
money  without  dividing;  the  larj^er  portion  with  tliem.  These 
and  others  were  the  foundation  virtues  which  supported  the 
fabric  of  his  splendid  character. 

In  conclusion,  in  my  mature  age,  after  lifty-seven  years  of 
experience  and  observation  among  men,  1  can  sincerely  say 
that  I  have  never  known  or  observed  a  nobler  specimen  of 
manhood,  morally,  mentally  or  physically,  than  M;ijor  General 
Stephen  Dodson  Ramseur,  of  Lincolnton,  North  Carolina. 

D.    SCHENCK. 

March  8,  1892. 


Mrs.  General  Ramseur. 

The  widow  of  llie  gallant  Rauiseur,  who 
was  the  spirit  aud  life  tlie  generals 
of  hue's  army,  is  livin-;  at  her  inolher's 
home  near  Alilion,  as  gentle,  and  modest 
and  heautifiil,  as  she  was  in  her  maiden 
days.  Mrs.  Ramseur  is  pleasant  and  cheer- 
ful in  soriety,  but  still  dre&.sfs  in  the  deepest 
Hiourniug,  and  with  the  vanities  and  show 
of  this  gay  and  ^\<itiy  life  she  has  nothing  l» 
do,  l.utaniid  Hip  (juit-t  of  her  country  home 
ske  has  devote.1  herself  to  the  education  of 
her  daughter  who  |)roniis(s  to  rival  the 
mtither  in  all  the  accomplishments  that 
adorn  a  woman.  Mrs.  Ramseur  was  a  Miss 
Ricbmund. 


RAMSEUR Died,    on    May    27th,    at 

Concord,  N.  C,  at  the  home  of  her  sister, 
Mrs.  Montgomery,  Mrs.  Ellen  Richmond 
Ramseur,  widow  of  Major  General  Ramseur, 
of  the  Confederate  Army,  who  was  killed  at 
Cedar  Creek,  October  19th,  1864.  Her 
maiden  name  was  Ellen  Richmond.  Her 
home  was  Woodside,  near  Milton,  N.  C,  a 
home  endeared  to  many  friends  by  its  hos- 
pitality and  her  own  gracious  presence.  In 
early  life  Mrs.  Ramseur  united  with  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  lived  a  consistent, 
pious  life.  During  the  greater  part  of  her 
life  she  lived  with  her  mother  and  brothers 
in  her  paternal  home.  She  was  a  woman  of 
great  personal  loveliness,  of  winning  sweet- 
ness and  charm  of  manner,  as  well  as  at- 
tractive and  lovely  character,  kind  and  gen- 
tle in  feeling  and  bearing.  Sh6  had  a  very 
pronounced  force  of  character,  based  on 
right  thinking  and  religious  principle. 
Brought  up  in  a  home  of  ample  means,  she 
addressed  herself  bravely  to  the  altered  cir- 
cumstances produced  by  the  Civil  War, 
patiently  bearing  life's  duties  with  sweet 
amenity  and  gracious  manners,  carrying 
light  and  sweetness  around  her.  Her  de- 
meaaor  was  marked  by  that  delicacy  and 
refinement  which  piety  engrafted  on  natural 
sweetness  of  disposition  always  makes  so 
charming.  She  was  most  tenderly  loved 
and  admired  by  kindred  and  friends,  and 
her  memory  will  be  ardently  cherished. 
She  had  been  an  invalid  for  two  }'ears.  She 
met  death  with  serene  triumph,  looking  be- 
yond the  grave  to  the  home  awaiting  her. 
Her  last  words  were,  "I  am  perfectly 
happy.  Christ  is  here  in  this  room.  God 
is  with  me,"  and  so  through  the  dark  gate- 
way bright  with  her  Lord's  presence,  she 
passed  into  the  Eternal  City. 


Mrs.  EIUmi  1{.  Itainsour,  widow  ()l 
(Jen.  Stopht'ti  Dodson  Hamsuiir,  died 
in  Concord  at  the  rosiilinn-i'  of  Mr.  (i. 
CJ.  liichmirnd,  on  Sunday  evening:, 
Mav  i'T,  lltOO,  at  ~):'M)  o'clock.  Mrti. 
Ivamscur  was  thodau^lit'T  of  C.  II. 
and  Mary  Uichiiiond,  and  was  born 
^n  Caswcil  county  onMlic  'Jstli  day  of 
l)oC(unl)L'r,  1S4().'  She  was  married  in 
(ict(>lior.  lS();{,to  Cii'n.  KauiscMir,  who 
was  killed  at  Cedar  Crock  in  October, 
18U4,  leaving-  a  ilau<;iiti*r  only  a  few 
days  old,  whom  he  never  saw.  Mrs. 
Ka'mseur  was  a  true  type  of  tho  best 
element  of  Southern  womanhood. 
She  was  (juiet  and  inlellif^ent,  affec- 
tionate and  i)rous.  Thoufi'li  possess- 
ing: many  attractions  and  graces  she 
never  enterel  society-  after  tho  deatlu 
of  her  husband,  but  devoted  her  life 
(JO  her  dauiihter  and  the  niemorv  of 
her  distingnished  husband.  To  those 
who  were  so  fortunate  to  be  asso- 
ciated with  her,  her  life  was  a  bene- 
diction, so  sweet  and  f>;entle,  so  kind 
and  cheerful. 

Mrs.  Kamsenr  had  been  living  in 
Concord  for  the  last  eighteen  months 
at  Judge  Montgomery's,  who  mai-- 
ried  her  sister.  She  went  to  her 
brother's  to  spend  awhile  and  was 
unable  to  return.  Her  sutl'erings 
wei'e  long  and  severe  but  she  bore 
them  without  a  murmur  and  died  in 
great  peace,  assuring  her  family  and 
friends  that  all  was  well.  Almost  her 
last  words  were:  "I  know  that  my 
Kedeemer  liveth." 

Her  body  was  carried  to  the  depot 
by  old  Confederate  soldiers,  several 
of  whom  had  served  under  hergallant 
husband,  and  thtMico  carried  to  Liu- 
colnton  and  buried  beside  her  hus- 
band. 

The  people  of  Lincoluton  showed 
every  mark  of  respect.  Their  kind- 
ness, sympathy  and  hospitality  were 
beautiful.  The  editor,  who  was  one 
of  the  escort,  has  never  seen  any- 
thing more  refined  and  appropriate 
to  the  occasion  than  was  the  conduct 
of  the  good  people  of  Lincolnton. 
The  funeral  services  were  in  the  Pres- 
byterian church  (of  which  she  has 
long  been  a  consistent  member>  con- 
ducted by  llev.  K.  Z.  .Johnston,  as- 
sisted by  Ki'V.  Dr.  .1.  V.  Fair,  of  Sa- 
vannah. 


and  Mrs.  Moi|tg<>iaery ;  Mrs.  K.  H. 
Harding,  Mrs.  Judge  Sehenck,  ^tissos 
Mary  Ivaniseur.  Mollie  Dodson.  Willie 
Kiehmoniland  MamieDotlson;  Messrs. 
(i.  (i.  Kichniond,  VnM\.  Richmond,  ('. 
U.Montgomery,  l\  H.  Fetzer,  J.  D. 
I.,entz,  Maury  Uichmoi»d  and  J.  U. 
Sherrill.  The  following  old  soldiers 
acted  as  pall  bearers  here:  Messrs. 
D.  A.  Caldwell,  J.  D.  Harrier,  D.  B. 
Coltraiie.  J.C.  (iibson,  A.  li.  Young 
and  U.S.  Puryear. 

. —  I 

DEATH  OF    MRS.;  KI.I-EN  K.    KAMSEUR 

She  Fell  on  Sleep  »it  the  lloiiie  of  Loved 
Ones  In  Concord— The  Interment  lu  Lin- 
coluton. 

Special  to  The  Observer. 

Concond,  iMay  28— T>?ath  released  Mrs. 
Ellen  H.  IlamS'eur  of  her  .sulTering  Sun- 
day evening  at  5:30  o'clock.  Mrs.  Ram- 
seur  was  born  at  Milton,  N.  C,  on  De- 
cember 2SL.h,  1840.  She  was  a  daughter 
01"  C.  H.  and  Mary  Richmond.  In  Oc- 
tober, 1863,  she  was  married  lo  the  gal- 
lant G?n.  Stephen  D.  Ramseur,  (who  was 
killed  in  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek  Oc- 
tober 19lh,  1864.  being  mHrrled  only 
about  a  vear.  Since  the  death  of  her 
liushand  Mrs.  Ramseur  has  never  gone 
into  society,  bul  has  devoted  her  lite  to 
her  daughter  and  to  Lhe  sacred  memory 
of  her  dead  husband.  Mrs.  Ramseur 
came,  some  18  months  agt),  to  make  her 
home  at  Judge  Montgomery's,  'Mrs. 
Montgomery  being  a  sister.  'About  a 
month  ago  she  went  to  Mr.  G.  G.  Rich- 
mond's, her  brother,  where  she  grew 
worse,  thus  breathing  her  last  at  the 
home  of  her  brother.  Rev.  Cochran 
Preston  perflormed  t.he  funeiul  riles  this 
morning  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Richmond. 
The  pall-bearers  were  men  who  had 
done  service  to  tke  Confederate  cause. 
One  had  fought  in  a  number  of  battles 
under  her  illustrious  husband;  another 
was  with  him  as  he  was  borne  in  lin 
ambulance  to  the  enemy;  a  third  bore 
the  flag  of  truce  and  received  his  body 
from  the  enemy. 

Mrs.  Ramseur  was  held  in  tender  re- 
gard, both  for  her  own  personalit-i-es  and 
the  memories  associated  iwith  her  hus- 
band, in  whose  honor  the  IT.  D.  C.  oC 
Concord  was  named.  The  body  of  Mrs. 
Ramseur  was  taken  to  Lincolnton  this 
morning,  accompanied  by  her  daughter, 
Miss  Mary  Ramseur;  iMrs.  W.  J.  Mont- 
gomery and  Mrs.  E.  H.  Harding: 
Messrs.  G.  G.  and  C.  H.  Richmond,  sur- 
viving brothers;  Judge  Montgomery 
and  Richmond  Montgomery.  Maury  and 
Misses  Willie  Richmond,  Mary  and  Mol- 
Vu-  Dodson,  and  Messrs.  J.  B.  Shea-riU, 
J.  D.  !Lentz  and  P.  53.  Fetz-r. 


TRIBUTE  OF  LOVE. 


ThsDodson  Bamsenr  Chapter  U.  D.  C. 
in  Honor  of  Mrs.  Ellen  Ramscur. 

At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Dod- 
spn  Ram^eur  Chapter^— United 
©aughters  of  the  Confederacy 
the  following  resolutions,  w«re 
offered,  and  ordered  placed  upon 
the  minutes. 

"Tribute  of  love  and  respect 
to  the  memory  of  Mrs.  Ellen 
Richmond  Ramseur, 

Whereas,  it  has  pleased  our 
Heavenly  Father  to  remove  from 
our  midst,  our  esteemed,  and  be- 
loved honorary  member,  Mrs. 
Ellen  Richmond  Ramseur  there- 
fore be  it. 

Resolved.  That  we  humbly 
bow  in  submission  to  the  will  of 
our  Father  in  Heaven  with  pro- 
found, and  tender  sympathy,  and 
condolence  to  the  sorely  be- 
reaved. 

Resolved.  That  we  shalLever 
cherish  her  memory,  her  lovely 
Christian  character. 

Resolved.  That  these  resolu* 
tions  be  spread  upon  the  minutes 
of  this  meeting,  as  a  part  of  the 
record. 

Resolved.     That  the  secretary 
furnish  these  resolutions   to   the 
town  papers  for  publication  and 
a  copy  of  the  same  to  the  family. 
Mrs.  Jno.  P  Allison. 
Mrs.  D  B  Morrison. 
Miss  Rose  Harris. 


Mi-s.  Rainseor's  Life— Tribute  by  a  Char- 
lotte Friend. 

iDicid,  in  Concord,  Sunday,  May  27th, 
1900,  Mrs.  Ellen  Richmond  Riamseur, 
\vidow  of  General  iSteplieTi  D.  Ramseur, 
who  laid  down  his  life  for  his  country. 

The  gallant  S'ltephen  Dodslon.  Ramseur 
was  one  of  the  youngest  of  the  lOon- 
federace  generals,  a  graduate  of  We^ti 
Point,  cons'pieuou'3  as  a  man  and  as  a 
soldier.  He  was  mortaliy  wounded  in 
the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain  and  died 
in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  How-ever, 
all  that  w-as  mortaJ  was  laid  to  rest 
among  Ills  loved  ones,  in  the  lovely  old 
town  o'f  Lincolnton,  where  yesterday, 
after  long  years  of  waiUng,  irests  by  his 
side,  the  -wife  of  his  youth. 

Ellen  Richmond  was  a  native  of  Cas- 
well county  and  in  her  maidenhood  gave 
her  heart  and  hand  t'O  the  handsome 
cousin,  who  was  granted  a  furlough  to 
claim  his  fair  bride,  so  soon  to  become 
a  widow.  She,  \vith  her  only  daughter, 
Mary,  lived  at  the  old  home  most  of  the 
time,  thougli  these  last  years  of  weary 
wail'ing  and  suffering  have  been  spent 
in  the  hospitable  home  of  Judge  Mont- 
gomery, of  Concord,  lovingly  tended  by 
Ilea-  daughter,  Mary,  and  her  sister, 
Mrs.  Lou  Richmond  Montgomery. 

At  the  last,  there  gathered  around  her 
bedside  all  'but  ■one  of  her  brothers 
and  sisters,  including  Dr.  and  Mrs.  E. 
H.   Harding. 

Monday  jnorning  the  friends  carried 
her  through  to  Lincolnton,  by  way  of 
Gastonia. 

Had  it  been  known  here  in  time,  the 
Daughters  of  the  Confederacy  would 
iiiave  ibeen  delighted  to  show  honor  to 
her  and  to  the  memory  of  her  noble 
iiusband. 


RESOLUTIONS  OF   KESPEOT 

At  a  nieetiug  of  the  Ladies  Mias- 
iouary  Society  of  iMilton  Pifiibj- 
terian  Church,  the  following 
resolutions  were  adopted: 

Wliereus,  God  in  Ilia  infinite  wis- 
dom, Jias  Ciilled  to  the  Church 
Triumphant,  our  beloved  sit^ter- 
niember,  Mrs.  Klleu  D.  Kamseur; 
therefore,  he  it  resolved: 

Ist,  That  wc  bow  our  humble 
submissiou  to  the  will  of  Him  who 
taketh  his  faithful  ones  to  their 
eternal  reward. 

2nd,  That  while  we  niid«  the 
gracioub  charm  of  her  presence 
amony:  us,  hor  unaffe;;ted  warnuh 
and  kindness  of  heart;  we  shall  en- 
deavour to  imitate  her  pure  and 
lovely  example,  her  exalted  christian 
character,  her  unseltith  dwvoiion  to 
duty,  her  loyalty  to  her  church  and 
tlie  cause  of  her  Master. 

3rd,  That  we  extend  (he  tendcrest 
sympathy  of  our  hearts  to  the  sor- 
rowing family,  commending  them  to 
God.  who  was  alwavs  hor  '*ShieH 
and  Buckler"  and  ir  whoso  presence: 
she  shall  live  and  reign  forever. 

4th,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolu 
tions  be  sent  to  the  family,  and  also 
be  published  in  the  Miltou  Herald. 

'  Mrs  H.  Walker, 
Committee,  \  Miss.  Susan  1  lines, 
Mrs.  Kate  Watkius. 


